Hey Cyclone fans, Raider here (sorry for the long post)
- Thread starter ttraiderbacker
- Start date
NFL scouts have been around looking at our LT LaAdrian Waddle. I don't know his projected round, but he'll be drafted for sure. We have a multi-year starter at Center and a returning starter at RT. Our LG and RG have been rotating in some redshirt freshmen and experienced guys. We're not as deep as we'd like to be, but our starting 5 are easily in the top half of the conference. We just need them to stay healthy.
You're still in the honeymoon phase with your new DC. Let's see how you feel at the end of the season - or even after your first Big 12 game.
Steele isn't half as good as Barnett on zone reads, but he throws much better imo. To be honest, I think ISU will look completely different than the ISU Tech played last season. I hope Nealy gets some carries that matter this time. Anyone know if Woody is going to play? How about Shontrelle, he got 4 total carries last game.
I would grade Tech's O-line about B or B+. LT Waddle is a likely NFL draft pick but ISU has better depth overall. Tech's first OL unit has only been called for one pre-snap penalty so far this season -- a false start against Texas State. A disciplined O-line is a beautiful thing.
Maybe you missed the part earlier where I said our WRs are VASTLY improved. The depth among this position is incredible. We have a guy named Jakeem Grant who is a game changer and he's not starting. I'm telling you... don't expect this to go like last year's game. I'm not saying we will win, but 7 points is not happening.
Our secondary has really not been tested at all, but we've done really good at shutting down the zone read and option so far. Sure the competition has been bad, but I like the fundamentals and technique we've shown. DE's are staying at home and we're filling the gaps much better than last season.
Thats what blows me away. This team beats New Mexico, Texas State (who I guess is not FCS now, if so just joined FBS?) and Northwestern State and you would think they have beaten the likes of Alabama.
Tech can put points on the board, but you never know how these games go. A lot of wind in the Jack, can make passes a little more unpredictable. Stephens is a real talent though. explosive and fast. The most dangerous thing about Tech is they are solid passing and running. It all comes down to pressure, we need to put pressure on Seth to control the game. I hope we can establish the run and keep their offense off the field as long as possible.
Top 5? Before Big 12 play?
There are a lot of question marks that you guys have mentally contorted into slam dunks. If statistics could suit up and play, you'd knock us out of our jockstraps.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
Maybe change the name from Red Raiders to Spin Machines.
Even a top would get dizzy with this much spin.
Even a top would get dizzy with this much spin.
My lord you guys are delusional. What aTm leaves and now you guys have to be the Crazy Texas fanbase? We could go without it, you know.
Iowa wasn't able to do anything well against our defense and completed less than 50% of their pass attempts. That said, I think TTech is a bit better in the pass game than Iowa is (lol), but the DLine has been good to very good with the LBs being arguably the best unit in the conference. Tulsa was pretty well disrupted after the opening 10 minutes as well, and Green wasn't able to do much at all.
The biggest unknown and cause for the most concern heading into the season was the secondary because we're replacing a 4year starter at CB who is now with Tampa Bay as well as 3-year starter at safety/nickel. They are a bit more athletic and certainly deeper, and overall the unit might be a smidge improved from last year IMO (but Big12 play will dictate that). I don't expect a big dropoff at any rate.
The biggest unknown and cause for the most concern heading into the season was the secondary because we're replacing a 4year starter at CB who is now with Tampa Bay as well as 3-year starter at safety/nickel. They are a bit more athletic and certainly deeper, and overall the unit might be a smidge improved from last year IMO (but Big12 play will dictate that). I don't expect a big dropoff at any rate.
Last edited:
This is the whole point...you really have no way of knowing whether TT's WRs are vastly improved relative to Big 12 play, because they haven't played against any Big-12 level competition.
Playing well against cupcakes really doesn't tell you much about how your team will fare against Big 12 competition. However, not playing well against cupcakes in some aspect of the game is a pretty good indicator that your team will also struggle in that aspect of the game when playing conference games.
waddle has great size but he's slow and likes to bend at the waist rather than knees, over extending himself and leaving him vulnerable to stunts, blitzes and speed rushes, he is an average drive blocker and likes to stand up to high resulting in stalemates rather than driving guys down field. he is strong but tries to use that to compensate for his defectiveness in technique.
You guys are going to prison rape our football team. We have no chance at all.
Is that the only type of discussion you guys are ok with here?
Our team is a much better one this year.
Is that the only type of discussion you guys are ok with here?
Our team is a much better one this year.
