athlon ranks 'em all ...

[surly]

17. Iowa State

The Cyclones have posted a winning Big 12 record in three consecutive years for the first time in program history. A trip to the Big 12 Championship Game should be within reach in 2020, especially as coach Matt Campbell's team returns one of the league's top quarterbacks (Brock Purdy) and a defense that has ranked near the top of the Big 12 in each of the last three seasons. Purdy has plenty of weapons to utilize, as tight end Charlie Kolar is poised to challenge for All-America honors, running back Breece Hall is a rising star, and receiver Tarique Milton averaged 20.6 yards per catch last season. The offensive line is Campbell's biggest concern and will likely determine whether or not Iowa State gets to the Big 12 title game. The Cyclones host Oklahoma but play Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas away from Ames.

https://athlonsports.com/college-fo...pJobID=1781631269&spReportId=MTc4MTYzMTI2OQS2

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

I think we are a serious dark horse this year. If the oline shows up, watch out.

 

[beentherebefore]

And this may be the year of no football....So very Iowa State.

 

[VeloClone]

I think we are a serious dark horse this year. If the oline shows up, watch out.

In the Big 12 unit rankings they ranked the ISU DL, LBs and DBs all first in the league.

RBs and WR's are ranked 4th; OL, 7th.

 

[SoapyCy]

i cant recall t

I think we are a serious dark horse this year. If the oline shows up, watch out.

i can't recall the year but i feel like this statement could have applied in 2013? 2015? the year with knott.

 

[CYCLNST8]

I think we are a serious dark horse this year. If the oline shows up, watch out.

Well, technically we are returning 3 linemen with starting experience which I believe is really being overlooked. Imagine if Robert Hudson can actually move some people @ 360 lbs.

Left tackle will be key. Joey Ramos is the heir apparent there, correct?

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

i cant recall t

he eyar but i feel like this statement could have applied in 2013? 2015? the year with knott.

We never had a real QB then.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Well, technically we are returning 3 linemen with starting experience which I believe is really being overlooked. Imagine if Robert Hudson can actually move some people @ 360 lbs.

Left tackle will be key. Joey Ramos is the heir apparent there, correct?

I'm optimistic. I'll be disappointed if Campbell doesn't field a good line in his 5th year.

 

[Statefan10]

I'm optimistic. I'll be disappointed if Campbell doesn't field a good line in his 5th year.

It doesn't need to be good. It needs to be average. It can't be below average or bad.

 

[coolerifyoudid]

74. Arkansas
New coach Sam Pittman inherits a program that hasn't won an SEC game since 2017 and faces a brutal schedule in '20.

I knew Arkansas had fallen, but I didn't realize they hadn't won a conference game the past two years.

 

[CYCLNST8]

I'm optimistic. I'll be disappointed if Campbell doesn't field a good line in his 5th year.

It doesn't need to be good. It needs to be average. It can't be below average or bad.

We haven't struggled much in pass protection lately. Getting some push up front would be nice. Imagine if Montgomery would have had running lanes...

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

Well, technically we are returning 3 linemen with starting experience which I believe is really being overlooked. Imagine if Robert Hudson can actually move some people @ 360 lbs.

Left tackle will be key. Joey Ramos is the heir apparent there, correct?

I actually think this is the year we start to see true improvement on the o-line as long as the guys have developed as scheduled.

 

[SoapyCy]

It doesn't need to be good. It needs to be average. It can't be below average or bad.

this sentence works on so many levels for so many things.

 

[Statefan10]

We haven't struggled much in pass protection lately. Getting some push up front would be nice. Imagine if Montgomery would have had running lanes...

Pass protection has not been bad you're correct. It's been our running game (at certain times), but mostly just dumb mistakes / penalties. I would love to see how many false starts we've had the past 3 years.

 

[MeowingCows]

In the Big 12 unit rankings they ranked the ISU DL, LBs and DBs all first in the league.

RBs and WR's are ranked 4th; OL, 7th.

Actually pretty nasty to have a completely sweep of #1 defense spots, although the #1 DL may be a little generous. They must not see meaningful dropoff from Lima in particular (and maybe I'm overvaluing him, too).

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Actually pretty nasty to have a completely sweep of #1 defense spots, although the #1 DL may be a little generous. They must not see meaningful dropoff from Lima in particular (and maybe I'm overvaluing him, too).

Guys behind him have held their own. I think with our DE, and the size we have its justified.

 

[CYCLNST8]

I would love to see how many false starts we've had the past 3 years.

It's not that we've had a ton; they've just been at the worst possible times. Drive killers.

 

[Statefan10]

It's not that we've had a lot; they've just been at the worst possible times. Drive killers.

Yeah that's even worse.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

It's not that we've had a ton; they've just been at the worst possible times. Drive killers.

All comes down to focus. As a lineman the pace of the game can get blurry because you can be gasping for air for 5 minutes straight without much time to think depending on tempo. Gotta keep that snap count present, even among the millions other things you're going through on pre snap check downs.

 

[CYCLNST8]

pre snap check downs.

I hate a lot of second-guessing in the red zone. Don't overthink it. Keep the pedal to the medal and shove it down their throat. Keep them on their heels. Run or play action to the TE.