Random observations from today's scrimmage

[ajk4st8]

Same here. Our DB's may not have been as bad as they looked all year last year.....but we'd never know it as the opposing QB's always had all day to choose a receiver and throw. Even the best DB's can only cover effectively for maybe 4-6 seconds.

I think its safe to say we were extremely weak on D period...

DL lacked everything (run stopping and creating pressure.

LBs were weak and very slow. The middle of the field was wide open all the time.

DBs were often literally 15 yards away from the receiver downfield when they caught the ball (see OSU, CU, KU, Mizzou).


We have a major overhaul at all positions. I will be happy if we can even get slightly better than last year considering we have so many returning players.

 

[BEACHBUM]

We have a major overhaul at all positions. I will be happy if we can even get slightly better than last year considering we have so many returning players.

Agreed. Wish it wasn't true but I believe it is. Maybe the new system will fit better with our players.

 

[Campbell14]

that JC LB as well as Knott will be a big improvement for our LB's

 

[cloneaholic]

How did the team speed look on defense?

I didn't think it looked too bad, but it's always difficult to assess when you're going against your own team.

I'm confident of one thing, though. Our defense will be much improved if for no other reason than the fact that they're lining up every day against the very kind of offense they'll face on most Saturdays. That will help immensely.

 

[isuno1fan]

True that Ryan is not the RB that Ennis was, but from the standpoint of a guy getting 1 yard when you need it, Ryan NEVER failed.

I can think of twice where he didn't get the short yardage needed on 3rd or 4th to pick up the 1st down, but 99% of the time he was money.

 

[CYCLNST8]

Kock was a touchdown machine his junior year. Look it up.

 

[CyCloned]

I can think of twice where he didn't get the short yardage needed on 3rd or 4th to pick up the 1st down, but 99% of the time he was money.

I don't know about Ryan and getting the required yard or two, but as a team, the Cyclones have been amazingly inept at getting the yard or two needed to keep a drive alive for the past 5 years.

 

[cloneaholic]

I don't know about Ryan and getting the required yard or two, but as a team, the Cyclones have been amazingly inept at getting the yard or two needed to keep a drive alive for the past 5 years.

The difference this season is that we will just as likely throw a high percentage short pass as run it, so the defense won't be able to put so many defenders in the box. I think that's also why you'll see us have much more success in the red zone.

 

[scyclonekid]

That is what Iowa State needs another Ryan Koch!! Schwartz I think will fit that bill with some extra's, hit you in the mouth style of running!! Bo will get some considerable minutes this year too I think. The defense cannot get any worse and with some new additions I think will be BETTER than last year!! We have a coaching staff that is for real and with passion. Those players know they are better than last season and I hope every saturday they prove that to themselves and the fans and ISU nation!!!! Put on your hard hats and go to work HELL YEAH!!! because that is what it takes.

 

[Bader]

Photo from cyclones.com of gang tackling Schwartz

Photo Gallery: Spring Football: Scrimmage No. 2 - Iowa State University Athletics Official Web Site - www.CYCLONES.com - The home of Iowa State Cyclone Sports

Two things:

1) GANG TACKLING?!?!?! I haven't seen this phenomenon since 2005
2) Shwartz is a beast

 

[wartknight]

I went to last Friday's practice and Williams looked like a man amongst boys out there and was constantly ripping off big runs. Not sure if that happened at just one practice or not.

 

[CrossCyed]

I went to last Friday's practice and Williams looked like a man amongst boys out there and was constantly ripping off big runs. Not sure if that happened at just one practice or not.

I really truly believe he's our third option at RB. He's not built for the spread attack. That's not to take anything away from him, either.

 

[scyclonekid]

He will get the rock just watch.

 

[CrossCyed]

He will get the rock just watch.

I do know that he's been practicing third string all spring from people I have talked to.

 

[cloneaholic]

I went to last Friday's practice and Williams looked like a man amongst boys out there and was constantly ripping off big runs. Not sure if that happened at just one practice or not.

What makes it difficult to judge is the fact that it's always 1's vs. 1's, 2's vs. 2's, and 3's vs. 3's. So when Bo is carrying the ball, it's usually not against the first string defense.

 

[wartknight]

WHen I was there, Arnaud was handing off to him, and I clearly recall LJ trying to run him down. Its the spring, guys are taking reps at a lot of different spots on the depth chart.

 

[cloneaholic]

Yes, Bo has had some reps with the first team, but it's not been very many.

 

[anticyclonic]

True that Ryan is not the RB that Ennis was, but from the standpoint of a guy getting 1 yard when you need it, Ryan NEVER failed.

If I remember correct, besides having a ton of TDs, Kock always had a positive gain on every rush.

 

[Dino]

Ryan Kock once used a live rattle snake as a condom!

 

[Stormin]

Ryan Kock once used a live rattle snake as a condom!

Was that the condom used when Ryan Kock and Katie Robinette had a child together?