*** Official Arkansas State vs #20 IOWA STATE Game(Day) Thread ***

[clonedude]

I wonder if his ankle is still a little dinged from the 3rd quarter injury game one, not that we'd ever hear a word about it. Just making sure he's 100% for Big 12 season

My thoughts exactly. Seems like Sama has already been dinged up a couple times this season already... so I really think the plan going in was to keep his reps way down, but give him some snaps so he doesn't get rusty. He didn't even start if I'm remembering correctly?

I think the staff just went into the game thinking that we probably didn't even need to play him at all and give him some rest... but wanted to at least give him some reps.

This goes to the depth that this team is finally creating and that CMC keeps mentioning all the time. It is HUGE for success to get great depth built up and have that fierce competition in practice for spots. That is how you truly build a great team.

You could tell IMO just watching Sama on some runs yesterday that he did NOT want to give up his #1 spot. He was tossing defenders away like nobody's business. He was running with authority. All of the backs looked like they wanted to prove something out there... and that my friends is how a team becomes great.

Look at the OL too now... finally getting some real depth there, and now guys are having to go out there and prove that they deserve minutes.

That's why I'm excited to see Moberly at #2 also. Because JJ Kohl is a good quality QB... and if Moberly has beat him out... that is great for this team.

This is what really has me excited about this season. We're finally getting this quality depth everywhere... all fighting for playing time.

 

[Cymark86]

Basing an evaluation on a spot true freshman performance is a stretch. Especially considering the relative states of the team. Not much comparison between this year’s OL, and what it looked like against UNI last year.

Also, assuming that JJ isn’t dinged up just because he’s suited up also seems like a stretch. If he’s healthy but #3, why didn’t he get a series late, like everyone else did?

Sure, maybe to maximize Moberly’s snaps in his limit of four games, but I’ll wait to see more.

I think with the 4 game freshman deal it gets a bit tricky. Assuming they want to red shirt Moberly, but also get him some live snaps. I would think if JJ is indeed #3 as it appears, you have to be really careful about how to allocate the snaps for Moberly and JJ. Assuming we get in a blowout situation again, do you go JJ instead, just to save games for Moberly?

If God forbid Rocco gets hurt, all that’s out the window and you go with who gives you the best chance to win games.

 

[clonefanpaul]

Something that stood out to me, the Ark St offensive play calling played right into Iowa State's strength. They just kept on trying to get medium to long plays (and always failing to do so) and never having the patience to take the short stuff. Honestly I felt bad for their offensive players because they never had a shot based on the play calling.

 

[bosco]

Didn’t get much from Sama? He was a few carries shy of Hansen and Jackson.

To me it looks like Jackson is earning carries and playing time. Also seems like they want to see what Hansen can do.

Good problems to have.

Right now Jackson is out best RB. He does what Breece did so well with setting up defenders. Abu is just relying on his physical talents. Hopefully Abu learns from Jackson.

Hansen is good between the tackles and gives some power running. What I like about the 3 is they all offer something different.

 

[cyclones500]

Regarding RB: I'm sure every player wants to be starter, and it's good to have a consistent main guy. But there's an upside scheme-wise having 3 in rotation, each brings a different type of skill set. It can keep a defense off-balance.

I assume, at some point, it'll become more of a clear decision on depth chart. I have no knowledge if Sama's health is a factor, I'll leave that to others to assess.

 

[blutarsky]

Right now Jackson is out best RB. He does what Breece did so well with setting up defenders. Abu is just relying on his physical talents. Hopefully Abu learns from Jackson.

Hansen is good between the tackles and gives some power running. What I like about the 3 is they all offer something different.

Agree…. I hope Sama is playing himself back into form. He hasn’t looked great early.

BTW… Dylan Lee looks like a monster as a freshmen.

 

[clonedude]

Right now Jackson is out best RB. He does what Breece did so well with setting up defenders. Abu is just relying on his physical talents. Hopefully Abu learns from Jackson.

Hansen is good between the tackles and gives some power running. What I like about the 3 is they all offer something different.

I agree that Jackson is probably the best right now... but Sama probably has earned to be #1 for a bit until Jackson decisively proves otherwise.

 

[blutarsky]

I agree that Jackson is probably the best right now... but Sama probably has earned to be #1 for a bit until Jackson decisively proves otherwise.

Honestly, I think Jackson did that against Iowa.

 

[clonedude]

Honestly, I think Jackson did that against Iowa.

Agree. I think Jackson was really an unsung hero in that Iowa game. He was able to find holes that I didn't think were even there. He didn't gain a bunch of yds.. but often times it was just enough to move the sticks.

But I do really like Sama's abilities too. He has the ability to break arm tackles, etc better than Jackson IMO.

All 3 have different skills, which is great to have. I think there's a distinct possibility that we don't have a clear starter... which I have no problem with at all. Why not play the best guy for the situation you're in?

 

[Aclone]

Right now Jackson is out best RB.

Umm…no.

 

[cycloneworld]

Insane stat from yesterday.

 

[OnlyCyclones]

Oddly, I did not see any Ark. State fans yesterday. Not a one. I'm sure there were some at the game?

They probably traveled to Michigan.

 

[brentblum]

Attention Brent Blum.... we better start paying Moberly now! Maybe we already do?

I don't want to lose that guy. Has looked better than Rocco today by quite a bit... but I know it's just one game.... I'm NOT saying he should start.... relax!

WAY better than any QB on Iowa's roster.

Feel free and help the cause clonedude! Wewillcollective.com

 

[Pope]

I think with the 4 game freshman deal it gets a bit tricky. Assuming they want to red shirt Moberly, but also get him some live snaps. I would think if JJ is indeed #3 as it appears, you have to be really careful about how to allocate the snaps for Moberly and JJ. Assuming we get in a blowout situation again, do you go JJ instead, just to save games for Moberly?

If God forbid Rocco gets hurt, all that’s out the window and you go with who gives you the best chance to win games.

I guess I would keep playing Moberly whenever the opportunity presents itself. If we get to the point where he's played in four games, then we can cross that bridge at that time. Need to keep him happy and engaged. Between NIL, transfer portal, and leaving early for NFL, keeping a talented player off the field in order to ensure they have an extra year of eligibility four years from now doesn't seem to make as much sense as it used to.

 

[clonedude]

Feel free and help the cause clonedude! Wewillcollective.com

I would... I can't afford it though! I mean.. yes, I could afford it, but then I'd have to cutback on saving for retirement or vacations, etc... and I'm not doing that. I love ISU athletics, and I support it through going to some games, buying gear once in a while, and even doing my part by drinking Ames Lager... but that's about as far as I go.

I count on the big hitters with big money like you and CW have!! When I have a house like you guys, and can take vacations like you guys do, and have man caves like you guys have... and then still have money left over... I promise you'll be seeing some checks from me! I'm looking forward to that day.

But seriously... I don't envy your job at all. I have no idea how ISU does it in today's environment of college athletics. It's ridiculous how much money NIL demands of the fans on top of everything else fans have to fork out. It's insanity. I don't how people can do it... but I appreciate every penny that everyone does give to keep ISU afloat.

 

[RagingCloner]

I would... I can't afford it though! I mean.. yes, I could afford it, but then I'd have to cutback on saving for retirement or vacations, etc... and I'm not doing that. I love ISU athletics, and I support it through going to some games, buying gear once in a while, and even doing my part by drinking Ames Lager... but that's about as far as I go.

I count on the big hitters with big money like you and CW have!! When I have a house like you guys, and can take vacations like you guys do, and have man caves like you guys have... and then still have money left over... I promise you'll be seeing some checks from me! I'm looking forward to that day.

But seriously... I don't envy your job at all. I have no idea how ISU does it in today's environment of college athletics. It's ridiculous how much money NIL demands of the fans on top of everything else fans have to fork out. It's insanity. I don't how people can do it... but I appreciate every penny that everyone does give to keep ISU afloat.

“Let’s pay our backup QB, but with someone else’s money because it’s not enough of a priority for me”

Thank you for your service

 

[State2015]

I would... I can't afford it though! I mean.. yes, I could afford it, but then I'd have to cutback on saving for retirement or vacations, etc... and I'm not doing that. I love ISU athletics, and I support it through going to some games, buying gear once in a while, and even doing my part by drinking Ames Lager... but that's about as far as I go.

I count on the big hitters with big money like you and CW have!! When I have a house like you guys, and can take vacations like you guys do, and have man caves like you guys have... and then still have money left over... I promise you'll be seeing some checks from me! I'm looking forward to that day.

But seriously... I don't envy your job at all. I have no idea how ISU does it in today's environment of college athletics. It's ridiculous how much money NIL demands of the fans on top of everything else fans have to fork out. It's insanity. I don't how people can do it... but I appreciate every penny that everyone does give to keep ISU afloat.

100% reasonable to not be able to give to WW. If it were me, I’d keep the snarky comments calling out the head of WW until you’ve actually donated

 

[Cymark86]

I guess I would keep playing Moberly whenever the opportunity presents itself. If we get to the point where he's played in four games, then we can cross that bridge at that time. Need to keep him happy and engaged. Between NIL, transfer portal, and leaving early for NFL, keeping a talented player off the field in order to ensure they have an extra year of eligibility four years from now doesn't seem to make as much sense as it used to.

Yeah, that makes sense. Good news is that I believe he was an Iowa state guy growing up. Maybe work the home town discount!

 

[cyclonestunners]

I'm a bit concerned about this trend. 3 straight slow starts. There will be a game where that would mean the game gets away from us.

Rocco has started a little slow and then found his groove each game this young season. Hope he's hot outta the gate down in Houston.

Also, Moberly looks like he's for real. It's really nice to know we've got a very capable guy in case Rocco goes down. Connor adds another dimension with his leg

 

[SolarGarlic]

Seems like CMC knew they wouldn’t need him, and so kept him to a lower snap count and gave some other guys more reps

That's an optimistic read. We have 3 backs who offer something different. We're going to continue to see them mix and match and feed the hot hand. I like Sama, but Jackson and Hansen were just as good and probably better.