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Anyone more worried about the Offense than the Defense?

I

isuno1fan

Well-Known Member
Mar 30, 2006
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Clive, Iowa
Maybe it is just me, but I'm just not convinced that we won't struggle on offense this year. From what I've seen, I haven't been overly impressed so far in execution. Additionally, there have been tons of turnovers (mostly interceptions). I remember Arnaud threw 3 or 4 picks in the Spring game (Tiller also had 1 or 2) and I know there were plenty of picks thrown in practice on Thurs/Fri, as well as in the scrimmage yesterday.

Perhaps it is the new system, but I haven't seen anything resembling fluidity and comfort on the Offensive side of the ball YET. I do believe we have the talent there and maybe it is more of the new system and reps to get it clicking, but I am somewhat concerned at this point. The idea we are going to put up 30-40pts per game in the B12 seems like a stretch right now.

On the other hand, I really think the D is going to surprise so long as the O doesn't go 3 and out too often.

Have to see what the games actually produce I guess as it is hard to tell from practices/scrimmages I suppose.
 
It's a new system and it will take a while to learn. We have the tools, just need time to work out the kinks.

The defense is also learning a new system, but I think it's a little less steep learning curve.

I'm sure hoping for good things, but will not be surprised to see some struggles on the field this year.
 
Coach Herman seems to never have many good things to say about how things are going, but I think Coach Herman is probably a perfectionist and won't be happy until things are clicking on all cylinders. Which won't be for some time. Maybe a few games into the season if not much much longer.
 
Depends what you mean by worried.

Do I think the offense could be really not so hot this year? Of course, check the last 3 years. Until we have an offense that puts up huge numbers on the scoreboard and not just in the yardage column. We need someone to come close to being Todd Blythe good for this offense to be good this year, until we can bring in a load of more competent WRs.

I dont know where you got 30-40 points per game in the Big 12. That would put us up there with there with some of the best offenses in the conf.

With that said, I really dont think the D will be better than the O. Too thin and slow in the front 7. No experience at safety.

I really dont want to come across as being overly negative because this team will be the best ISU team since 2005 IMO. There are just a lot of young guys that will need to develop.

I guess there isn't much you dont need to worry about on a team predicted to have 3-4 wins
 
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After watching the scrimmage yesterday, yes I am more concerned about the offense. Burnham has made a huge impact on the D, but remember he is more of a proven coach.
 
I agree. This is the 1st time (in my experience) that the offense has gone to a continuous "no huddle" O. I think there are going to be some serious and sometimes costly issues with that. (thus the interceptions and turnovers) I just hope that's experimental mishaps that we've been seeing, and "pray" that we're really not looking into these scimmages and the Spring-game all that too seriously. I'm sure the coaching staff doesn't want to share to much with the public, but I to am concerned... I guess we'll just have to wait and see what developes. Go Cyclones!
 
I just could see a situation where the D greatly exceeds expectations (i.e. is at least serviceable) and the O wildly underachieves expectations.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out.
 
I am a little concerned about the offense, but there still a little while to work out some kinks. Plus I haven't seen them play yet so I won't be overly concerned until I get to see a game and they look subpar.
 
Well they have only been practicing this fall for a short time. They have 2-1/2 weeks until they need to have it worked out. It seems that Herman's system is the type to take some time to figure out, but once you do, it can be tough for defenses to contain. Also remember that Coach Burham(sp?) was considered great at defending the spread, so he may have a lot to do with all of those interceptions. Hopefully the team will get used to playing against a good pass D and it'll be easier when we get to the season.
 
BryceC said:
I am a little concerned about the offense, but there still a little while to work out some kinks. Plus I haven't seen them play yet so I won't be overly concerned until I get to see a game and they look subpar.
Click to expand...

They should be clicking a lot better 2 months from now by the time the Big 12 season rolls around.
 
I've observed a number of practices and scrimmages and, yes, I think we'll go through some growing pains as we implement this new offense. But the positives will far outweigh the negatives.

Our rushing game will dramatically improve. No longer will we see defenses with 8 or 9 in the box completely stuffing our running backs like they have for the last several years. When A-Rob and company only have to beat one or two defenders, you'll see our average yards per carry go up significantly.

Our red zone efficiency will greatly improve. Why? Because one of the greatest aspects of this offense is that it employs so many different weapons. That means defenses cannot plan on defending just a few tendencies (i.e., they can't afford to cheat any direction - they have to play straight up, honest defense).

I could keep going, but I believe the bottom line is that this offense allows you to take a group of athletes who may not have the most stars next to their names (e.g., look at the Rice roster) and turn them into a very formidable offense that can move the ball and score points.
 
Tornado man said:
After watching the scrimmage yesterday, yes I am more concerned about the offense. Burnham has made a huge impact on the D, but remember he is more of a proven coach.
Click to expand...

I think the defense SHOULD be ahead of the offense right now. If not, I'd be worried.
 
Good comments and I'm not criticizing the offensive scheme we are implementing. I'm just concerned about our ability to execute at this moment.
Additionally, any improvement that is there on the D side of the ball will quickly go away if they are on the field too often.
I do have faith though!
 
Worried? No. Not in the first scrimmage of the year. Besides, those mistakes are going to give the coaches something to hammer the offensive players on all week in practice. :biggrin:
 
We are iowa state.... I'm always worried about the entire team. But its pretty evident we have more skilled players on offense then defense.
 
I'm really not worried on either side of the ball. Both should show improvement, but no team doesn't take a few steps back when new coaches and systems are implemented. It's a good thing we're playing the 2009 pre-conference schedule and not 2010.

The defense lost total confidence in themselves last year, the coaches and the system, much like happened to Nebraska a few years ago with Cosgrove. Statistically, the chances of us being that bad again are quite low. We underachieved greatly on offense last year. Those coaches took three cycles of the play clock, including a penalty and TO, to get a play in against Iowa. Against Mizzou, AA got hurt, pulled from the game and put right back in the next play for an illegal substitution penalty. If they couldn't figure that stuff out, just image how well they were doing with smaller details. I think it's a testament to our talent and players that we even did as well as we did.
 
our defense should be better. the new linebacker corp and the two new freshman shold help our our line backing strength immensely- i imagine bell will be back on defense so that will help our speed in the db schemes.i also think the new juco db will add some strength to our dbs. remember oklahoma was recruiting this kid in highschool b4 he went the juco route.looks like our defensive line is getting better training,too.i wish we had more depth on the defe Nsive line-how is woods progressing on the defensive line.will he be able to contribute..
on the offensive side of the ball,herman made the comment that he would like to coach austen arnaud.i think this unit will jel(gel) by the iowa game-
we have three good running backs(robinson,williams and shwartz).robinson
should be able to pick up some good yardage on runs and screen passes.i think we have upgraded our receiving corp with money and the new receivers.should be fun to watch as they gain more experience in practice.our offensive line should be effective in keep other defenses away from our qb. i think joe tiller will get some snaps and could be as effective as griffin is at baylor.he is tall,lanky and is a very good running qb. i think you will see some different but some exciting football with our 3 running backs(robinson,williams,and shwartz). another addition to the team is money reynolds-this kid could get a chance on some running plays on the spread.
he also could run a half-back option pass if herman has that in his playbook.
GO CYCLONES!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Both Burnham and Herman will be tremendous assests to ISU. Rice, under Herman, was top 10 nationally in total offense last season. South Florida, under Burnham, was top 10 nationally in total defense last year. Things may not click on both sides of the ball as soon as some people want but by the middle of the season I expect us to be a much improved team from last season.
 
tell me you are NOT doing no-huddle. that scares me a little, obviously our defensive depth isnt big 12 level. Isu staying in spread with normal 25sec play clock calls helps NDSU.

how's your wr's looking?? that will be a key battle vs our #1 pass def.
 
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