Practice Report: Back on track

By Chris Williams, CyconeFanatic.com Publisher

Iowa State offensive coordinator Tom Herman gave a little pep talk to his players before practice began on Tuesday. He quoted Albert Einstein of all people.

“We told our guys that Albert Einstein was probably a lot smarter than all of us combined,” Herman said. “He once said that the definition of insanity is repeatedly performing the same act of a process, expecting different results. Obviously, the last two Saturdays, we haven’t had results that are very favorable so we better change the way we do things from coach, to player, to manager, to trainer, to everybody.”

Maybe Herman should start quoting Einstein more often. His inspirational speech worked wonders.

“After practice, I usually have more than I need to say to say, regardless if it is good or bad,” head coach Paul Rhoads told CycloneFanatic.com on Tuesday after practice.“After this one, I simply ended with, ‘that is how you practice.’”

“We came out with a lot more enthusiasm, a lot better tempo and our guys responded,” Herman said.

“We had a really good practice,” said defensive coordinator Wally Burnham.

Are you noticing a trend yet?

Tuesday was a successful day for the Iowa State football program as they prepare for the Northern Iowa Panthers, who will invade Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday night at six.

After dropping two games in a row the way Iowa State has, it is natural to wonder if a hangover is in the future. That hasn’t been the case according to Burnham.

“The losses haven’t broken our spirit,” Burnham said. “They have come back every Sunday to have a good practice. They came back today and had a good practice. The technique stuff is still not there but they will give us the effort, I don’t have any doubt. They gave us the effort last week. We just missed too many damn tackles.”

Arnaud saw action

One of the top storylines leading up to Saturday will be the health of quarterback Austen Arnaud. Rhoads said that his top signal caller did see action on Tuesday.

“A little bit. He threw the ball and ran around,” Rhoads said. “He didn’t get banged or anything. He didn’t throw it a great deal. But he got out there and it is best to keep him active. That way he isn’t completely rusty. Tomorrow he’ll go out there and get a better feel for the game plan.”