The B Team

The B-Team

This is what you get after playing 4 top 20 teams in a row (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Oklahoma State).   Typically you play one top 20 team and you call that an Ice Pack Game.  4 in a row and you end up with the B-Team.  This week Iowa State could be without their starting Quarterback, their starting running back, and one of their starting linebackers (for the season).   

Kansas State isn't a top 20 team this year.   They are 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big XII.   Not the same team they were last year.   This is what they call a rebuilding year in Manhattan.   Kansas State has owned Iowa State over the past five years.   Kansas State is on a 5 game winning streak against the Cyclones and looking to make it six in a row against ISU.   Although over those five game they have won those games by an average of 5.8 points.   So nearly all of those games have come down to a touchdown on less.  Including last year when they did have a Top 20 ranked team. 

I would project that Iowa State falls behind early.   Then Iowa State pulls back to make it a game and give us some hope, and then Kansas State pulls away in the third to fourth quarter.   If Iowa State has execution issues such as turnovers, I would expect Kansas State to step on our throats and not let us back up.   In other words, they will run up the score and not lose any sleep over it all.   Bill Snyder was on Hayden Fry's coaching staff back in the 80's so there is still no love loss between the programs of Iowa State and Kansas State. 

On the offensive side Quenton Bundrage, currently has 6 touchdown catches.   The all-time record for touchdown catches in a single season is Todd Blythe with 9 and he did that two years in a row.   So, although Iowa State's Offense has sputtered at times Bundrage is quietly marching toward the record books.   We'll need Bundrage to continue to pull in touchdown grabs and for our Quarterback (Rohach,or Richardson) to spread the ball around. 

On the defensive side we are in deep doo doo.  I read one article that had Iowa State ranked as the lowest ranked defense of any BCS School.  Last week Oklahoma State's Roland ran for a career-high 219 yards and four touchdowns. I would certainly expect Bill Snyder and the Wildcats to copy the same blueprint and run the ball.   Kansas State has developed a balanced offense between pass and run.   But, expect the Wildcats to be run heavy this Saturday. 

The Cyclones currently rank at the bottom of the Big 12 in rushing defense, allowing nearly 220 yards per game on the ground. When Iowa State heads to Manhattan, Kansas State’s rushing offense will be waiting, ranking No. 4 in the Big 12 at 180 yards per game.   Good recipe for Bad Mojo. 

Jay Mohr Sporting Some ISU Gear, and his creepy Handler.

C'Mon Man.

Team Stat Comparison

The Story of the Game	OKST	ISU
1st Downs	20	20
3rd down efficiency	3-12	4-20
4th down efficiency	0-1	1-1
Total Yards	420	346
Passing	78	192
Comp-Att	10-27	18-38
Yards per pass	2.9	5.1
Rushing	342	154
Rushing Attempts	47	48
Yards per rush	7.3	3.2
Penalties	7-41	10-72
Turnovers	1	3
Fumbles lost	0	2
Interceptions thrown	1	1
Possession	26:24	33:36

This is what pisses me off about the Cyclone Game Saturday.

1. It wasn't the Refs!  By the looks of the box score you would almost think that it was a close game.  At halftime the Cyclones led in every offensive category.   The penalties at halftime were OSU: 0 and ISU: 8 - 58.  Looks like the refs had a discussion at halftime and decided to try and even the penalties after they let a play go too far that knocked out our starting quarterback Sam Richardson. 

I've been to many games over the past twenty years and this is the first game where I heard the crowd clearly go after the refs.   So much so that after Richardson went down, OSU was called for two ticky tack fouls within the first two minutes of the second-half to try and make themselves look impartial.

2.  No it wasn't the kicking game that seems to haunt the Cyclones this time of year every year.   Particularly when they are playing out doors (which is every stadium in the Big XII), and when windy (also every stadium in the Big XII).  

Doh. 

3. It is the fact that we think we can spot every other team 21 points before we decide to play.   It makes it awfully difficult to win a game when you are playing from behind 21-0 after the first quarter.   The Cyclones have only scored more than 21 points twice this year.   30 against Texas and 35 against Texas Tech, both were losses. So as much as the other points bothered me.   Our run defense is as porous as a teenagers forehead.   Which is the kiss of any teenagers chance to score.    

It Could be worse 91-0.

91-0 Texas football blowout leads to bullying charge from a concerned parent

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/91-0-texas-football-blowout-leads-bullying-charge-101510025.html

This is how they role in Texas.   Can I say that Baylor influenced this kind of blow out, no.   Do I think there needs to be a mercy rule in place for football (in general), no.   But, I think there is a thing that I was taught while playing football and it was called sportsmanship.   I was very disappointed with last weeks game.   So, much so that I couldn't even watch the second half.   When I saw the final score of the game the first thing that came to mind is: "I thought Baylor was a Christian School - nice example of running up the score."  Maybe it is because Baylor has been considered the doormat of the Big XII.  Baylor joined the Big XII in 1996 and through 2007, 11 Seasons the Baylor Bears had 11 wins in their football program.   So, maybe they were tired of getting pushed around, and since they've grown up they want a little revenge.   Art Briles and RGIII have changed that stature and program around at Baylor - they are big time, with a legitimate claim to BIG XII champ this year.   Yes Baylor has become a sexy program and they are making sure they are being noticed.   So, there is hope that our Iowa State program can be turned around.   My second thought after viewing the final: was we are nearly 3 weeks away from Basketball season.  

 Headline was: This is why we love Paul Rhoads.  This after the WIN/loss to Texas.

My what a difference a week can make.  How do you like me Now?  After a nice 71-7 loss to Baylor - these are the times that try true fans souls. (Terri from Ames: I know you are still hot for Paul Rhoads, put down that contraption.  I think he has already taken matters into his own hands.)  


I have one thing to say: We are going to lose this game and lose it big on Saturday against Oklahoma State.  And this is your pregame pep speech.  OSU has not forgotten how we ruined their National Title hopes with our huge upset in 2011.   I don't think it is going to be 71-7,  but make no mistake we will be out of this game by halftime. 

Obligatory Oklahoma State Hot Girl Picture 
You are Welcome Netten - Not the ISU Kicker. 

Last week Oklahoma State wide receiver Josh Stewart had 10 catches for 141 yards and had a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving Oklahoma State enough offense to overcome four turnovers and a pair of missed field goals.  Stewart finished with 265 all-purpose yards, with 124 yards coming on punts to go along with his 141 yards receiving.  This guy reminds me of Tavon Austin  from West Virginia last year who tore us up.  Stewart will have another 200+ in multi purpose yards game.   TCU doubled and tripled Stewaret and still couldn't keep him down. The Iowa State secondary will not keep up, and we will get torched again.  

Saturday Sucks!   Sunday Sucks!   And the Fall Sucks!:   Iowa State has made Saturday into a garage day.   The Minnesota Vikings have turned Sunday into a Church and Family Day.   And the Fall has turned me back into a hunter, a baseball fan, and forward looking basketball fan.  I'm sad to say I'm looking forward to winter.   Or I could move to Missouri.  The Cardinals are in the World Series, the Missouri Tigers (Big XII defectors) are ranked 5th in the poles, and the Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated.   Come on Iowa State "Show Me" Something on Saturday.

Football Beauty Contest

Since when did football become a beauty contest.  It seems now a days.  Oregon, Baylor, Virginia Tech,  etc. are coming out with shiny this and camouflauge that.  When the heck did camouflauge become cool - Thanks a lot Douche (Duck) Dynasty.  

In the old days it used to be that Football teams like Penn State and Notre Dame wouldn't even put names on the back of their uniforms because the team was more important than and individual.  This message brought to you by "He Hate Me".  Call me old fashion, but If we are going to have a beauty pageant I want to see some good old fashioned swimsuit modeling, and when it comes to the talent show it doesn't matter what you say about world hunger or your stance on Ethiopian politics.   There is really only one talent that I care about and it won't be demonstrated on stage, or film unless you are Kim Karadashian.    

Mostly I would like to thank Nike and The Oregon Ducks.  The Oregon (Ducks) Douches have a new uniform for every game.  Kind of cool if you are an Oregon fan, but kind of annoying if you aren't.  Don't get me wrong I don't have anything against ducks (or deuches for the matter), it is one of my favorite hunting seasons. 

Iowa State Outlook for the week is: cloudy. 

Baylor Offense is Good: Baylor is the nation's most productive offense, with 715 total yards and 63 points a game. Scary good is the best way to put it.  Not," ah you got me Halloween scary", I mean like this could be a massive blowout scary.  Baylar is 1st in scoring offense at 63.4 ppg, a full touchdown ahead of Oregon.  4th in rushing offense at 299.6 ypg, 2nd in passing offense with 414.2 ypg, and 1st in total offense with 713.8 ypg, an 83 yard lead over Oregon.  Now the Bears are back at Floyd Casey Stadium, They have won 16 of their last 17 home games, and nine in a row overall.

Iowa State Offense is Better, But Not Good Enough:  Iowa State is scoring more than it has in Rhoads' first four seasons at 29 points a game, and is plus-six in turnover margin. But that isn't translating into wins. Nor does that allow you to be competitive in the offense laden Big XII.  The Cyclones' four losses are by a combined 22 points. Quarterback Sam B. Richardson is playing with a bum ankle. ''He hasn't been great and he certainly hasn't been bad,'' Rhoads said. ''Injuries are part of the game, and you deal with that. With that in mind, I think he's played good football for us.''  QB Sam Richardson is one key.   If he is healthy and can run, Iowa State will score points.   Aaron Wimberly is the other more important key.   He left last weeks game early.   The Baylor defense does allow teams to run, so if Wimberly can be healthy he could have another big game. 

Baylor Defense: Doesn't Matter.   Baylor offense will score at will.  If there is one positive for Iowa State when it comes to this match up it's the fact that Baylor ranks 61st nationally in rushing defense with 155 yards per game allowed on the ground.  

Iowa State Defense: Linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein have moved on after being the heart of the Iowa State defense for several seasons. But the Cyclones still have the Big 12's top two tacklers. Linebacker Jeremiah George, whose 31 consecutive starts are the most on the team, and is the Big 12 leader with 10.2 tackles per game. Second in the league is ISU safety Jacques Washington with 10.0 per game. Central Michigan is the only other team with two players averaging at least 10 tackles.


Prediction:   This one isn't close - Baylor by a lot, unless Iowa State gets some turnovers.  This game has been the one that has been scaring me the most.   Iowa State won at home last year, I would expect the Bears to come out and put the pedal to the metal and I don't expect them to throttle back if they are way ahead.   If the Cyclones win, I'll be having AlcoHALL and Oates for breakfast. 

Your Fired !!!

This week the big news in college football was the firing of Lane Kiffin as Head Coach from the USC Trojans.  Kiffin was fired after starting the season 3-2 and losing 62-41 to Arizona State.  Arizona scored 28 points in the third quarter and that is when the decision to fire Kiffin was reported made.

The Rise and Fall of Kiffin in 11 steps:

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/9/30/4785034/lane-kiffin-fired-coaching-timeline-usc-tennessee-raiders

Why do I bring up Kiffin's ousting?   Well first it amuses me.  But secondly, Texas head coach Mack Brown could be facing the same potential outcome if Texas loses to Iowa State. If the Former Heisman trophy winner is calling for you head your days are likely numbered.

Heisman winner, ex-Texas Longhorn Earl Campbell: Fire Mack Brown

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/college-sports/texas-longhorns/20130929-heisman-winner-ex-texas-longhorn-earl-campbell-fire-mack-brown.ece?nclick_check=1

Texas is currently 2-2.  Texas lost to BYU and 'Ole Miss.   After the 'Ole Miss loss Mack Brown fired his defensive coordinator.   You would assume that would set Texas back in the defensive department.  Then the Longhorns bounced back against the Kansas State Wildcats last week.

Lucky for Mack brown Texas had a few extra days to prepare for the Cyclones - they were on bye last week.   Let's hope for the Cyclones sake the Texas Longhorns have looked past the Cyclones toward the Red River Rival game next week against The Oklahoma Sooners.  Even with the turmoil in Austin the Longhorns look much better on paper and still have much deeper talent.   But, don't count the cyclones out just yet.

Sam Richardson had a great game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane along with  Aaron Wimberley.  Quentin Bundrage was held in check by Tulsa.   But, Sam Richardson was able to spread the ball around.  Iowa State will need to continue to move the ball around the bong at a Grateful Dead concert.  

Big story of the week is the Texas quarterback by committee is final determined.   Case McCoy will get his second start this year.   David Ash has been suffering from concussion symptoms and won't be cleared to play on Thursday.  

"Hey John hit this ball out of my mouth."

I don't know if you saw this clip.   John Daly was drinking at a bar and decided to go out back and hit a golf ball out of a dudes mouth.   I can guess how this went, "hey John I know we've drinking all day,  maybe we could go out into the alley and I thought maybe you would like to hit a ball out of my mouth."