Midseason report: Iowa State (ESPN/Ubben)

I don't know how anyone could complain about that little summary of our season thus far.
 
I'm pretty sure the people who dis-like Ubben were not around when his predecessor was at the helm. Ubben is a major upgrade from Tim Griffin.
 
His report isn't to far off. The hardest game left seems to be OU, with the rest of the Big 12 teams playing so erratic.
 
I take issue with calling Lenz "consistent". He has been a lot of good things this year, but consistent is not one of them. He has totally disappeared in something like 3 games this year. I'm sure teams have keyed on him; be that as it may he has not been consistent.
 
Pretty fair analysis I'd say, I feel he has been always fair to ISU and he seems to write about us a fair amount. I honestly feel if we can consistently win we could become media darlings, the little engine that could if you will. The media already loves CPR and if he starts challenging for top tier B12 finishes I think the media would follow, maybe not in the state but nationally. Now the national media is giving us a little respect, saying winning in JTS is no gimmie anymore. The perception of this program is changing before our eyes.
 
maybe some day he'll stop having to say "overachieve" and will just say "played to expectations"
 
Most of the comments are pretty respectful towards Iowa State. The times are a changin
 
This is good; more than I expected. Sometimes I wonder if I don't enjoy the thrill of a prospective upset more than an expectation of a win.
 
some selections from dubben's bigxii chat currently going on

Chris (Dallas) [via mobile]
How many QBs in the big 12 are better than Jantz/Barnett. Probably all 9 starters and Bell ad McCoy at least right. How frustrating must it be for Rhoads and Co that they can't get an average offense to go with that defense?

David Ubben (3:20 PM)
No, I don't buy that. Iowa State's QBs are both better than KU's. The offense is based on the ground, and ISU's been running the ball well enough to win, based on what the defense can do. Certainly they'd want to be better, but ISU's offense isn't as bad as it feels sometimes. K-State's D and Texas Tech's are both really, really good.

Craig (Ames)
How much of ISU's poor offensive production in the conference games can be attributed to the fact that we've faced 3 of the top 4 opposing defenses (other than OU) in the conference? Surely heading into games against weaker defenses, there will be an uptick in performance, won't there?

David Ubben (3:20 PM)
Speak of the devil. Well said, Craig. That has a lot to do with it, and I do think you'll see an uptick.
 
I think this last weekend did a lot for giving us respect, both in terms of our performance against KSU as well as Tech and TCU doing a good job of giving our games against those two some greater perspective.
 
You know we've been struggling offensively when you read that Offense MVP commentary. We all knew it, but it's just a neon sign that speaks to our relative lack of playmakers. Hope we can come back in the season retrospective with how good Barnett was in the second half leading us to another bowl game.
 
I take issue with calling Lenz "consistent". He has been a lot of good things this year, but consistent is not one of them. He has totally disappeared in something like 3 games this year. I'm sure teams have keyed on him; be that as it may he has not been consistent.

I disagree! Lenz has been fairly consistent when the ball comes his way. Look back at those games where he didn't have any receptions. Jantz wasn't even looking his way, and he was open several times too. He can't catch the ball if the QB isn't throwing it to him.
 

Help Support Us

Become a patron