Why Would Matt Campbell Leave for Notre Dame

Notre Dame Touchdown Jesus

Brian Kelly Head Coach of the Fighting Irish for the last 12 years has accepted the Head Coaching position for The LSU Tigers.   The "Silly Season" has not disappointed, and the dominos keep falling.  Notre Dame is a position that Matt Campbell has said he would be interested in leaving Iowa State over.   

So why should Matt Campbell Stay at Iowa State:

1. Matt Campbell just went 7-5 with a senior laden team.   Arguably the most talented team Iowa State has seen with a number of Preseason All-Americans and a number of kids on distinction award watch for their various positions.   Iowa State's Athletic Director has reminded Campbell that he went 7-5 and no donors, board of directors, President is suggesting that Campbell be removed.   Dan Mullen was fired during his fourth Season after having gone to 3 straight New Years Day bowl games and winning the Eastern Division in 2020.   Tom Herman at Texas was fired last after going 7-3 during a COVID year.   Iowa State will allow you to have a down year, and give you the time to rebuild, next level up teams expect you to win every year - no excuses. 

2. Moving to Notre Dame may require a different type of recruiting.   They don't have all the facilities.  This one of the alleged reasons Kelly entertained the LSU discussion.  They have high academic standards at Notre Dame and it may be tougher to recruit young football players that are more interested in NIL Money and fame to go to Notre Dame

3. The Grass may not be greener.   Yes Notre Dame has won lots of National Championships in Football.   But the last time they won a Championship was under Lou Holtz in 1988, that was over 30 years ago.   Winning a Championship may be a whole lot more challenging in the digital world of 2022 and beyond. 

4. You may not make more money, and possibly a need to take a pay cut.   Based on my quick research before LSU came calling Brian Kelly.    Kelly was earning $1.9 million, while Campbell is making 3.5 give or take.   Campbell is well paid but definitely definitely middle of the pack and not even close to the money that has been handed out over the past few weeks.  I would guess Notre Dame would match Campbell's salary.   But, Lou Holtz has said many time - Notre Dame has a rule that no one can be paid more than the President, and he is a priest that took a vow of poverty. 

Why Would Campbell leave: 

1. Campbell and Iowa State faced Notre Dame in 2019 at the Cheez It Bowl.   Notre Dame won that game 33-9.   The talent gap between the two teams was obvious.   Notre Dame had better talent and the game was never even considered close.   Although, it can be a challenge recruiting at Notre Dame the school and history can still get talent. 

2. Brian Kelly was able to recruit his last two recruiting class were high ranking recruiting classes.   The big question is can Notre Dame keep them after Kelly leaves.   With the transfer portal, it is easier for players to make moves when coaches move on to greener pastures.   Campbell would be walking into a team with talent ready to win, and the falloff would be slight. 

3. Notre Dame is Midwest - Notre Dame is located in Indiana part of the Midwest which is where Campbell is from and it fits his recruiting background and connections.    Campbell would most likely take the majority of his staff just like after leaving Toledo.  They would be able to pick up were Kelly left off. 

4.  History and Fame - Notre Dame is a power house football school.   Notre Dame has 13 National Championships to their credit, which is #4 on the list behind only Alabama in recent history.   Notre Dame is a dream job that would definitely test any football coach in a positive way. 

5. Rivalry with USC - with Lincoln Riley going to USC to become the new head coach, the appeal of Matt Campbell's success against Oklahoma and Lincoln Riley as head coach could be a big feather in his cap.   This could be a big appeal for the Notre Dame Athletic Director, because the USC/Notre Dame rivalry is real and it is big on both sides.   

At the end of the day it is Notre Dame and if you are from the Midwest, you've likely watched and dreamed about playing or coaching at Notre Dame.   If not go watch Rudy.   I just may re-watch it myself, but I'll be crying for a different reason all together.   I may just say a little prayer to Touchdown Jesus today.  

Who Has Had The More Disappointing Season ???

Mack Brown North Carolina Coach

Iowa State was ranked #7 in the nation before a down was played in the preseason poll 2021 NCAA Football Preseason Rank.  There was much discussion about Iowa State potentially becoming a BCS playoff team, due to the senior and experienced talent from the Iowa State Squad.  While #10 North Carolina coached by our good friend Mack Brown former Texas Longhorns coach that won a national championship with Vince Young at Texas in 2005 (over 15 years ago).   North Carolina landed at #10 in the preseason rankings.   Where are we now? 

Currently both squads are 6-5, and unranked.   North Carolina has lost games to two ranked teams #11 Notre Dame and #21 Pitt.  Yet they were able to upset league leading #9 Wake Forest.  Iowa State has lost to ranked #10 Iowa and #13 Oklahoma.  Iowa State also lost to Baylor who has risen to be currently ranked #9.  Iowa State also had their big name upset against #8 Oklahoma State.   Current Rankings:  Current NCAA AP Top 25 Rank 

Both teams have a very similar resume.  It might be fun if we somehow find a way to match up with them in bowl game.  I'm not a North Carolina Tar Heel's fan.   But, if I were I'm guessing I would be feeling the same level of disappointment that I feel with this current Iowa State Team.   Don't get me wrong - I'm an Iowa State fan and I love Matt Campbell, but I can't help but feel major disappointment with the season.   But most of all it leaves me with the feeling for the year of what could have been.  Both schools will begin looking forward to the basketball season, if they haven't already. 

How do you feel about this Cyclone Season, at 7-5 or God Forbid 6-6?    It makes me feel the same way I would if I showed up to a party and they served soup and salad with an assortment of veggie trays for a Thanksgiving Celebration.  It would send me straight to the table with the rocks glasses, and brown liquid.  

Is Matt Campbell a good fit for the next level?

Matt Campbell's name is one of the top names that always gets pushed around concerning big time college football openings and the coaching carousel.   This year there seems to be more coaching openings in the Power 5 conferences and much less patience.   LSU, USC, TCU, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State all have current opening.   Texas Tec and UConn had opening but have already filled those.   I would suspect more openings/firings are coming:  Florida, Texas, Stanford, Duke, Miami (just fired AD), Colorado, and Syracuse are rumored to be on the hot seat.   

I personally don't think Campbell would be wise to move up the ranks right now.   Mostly because of the style of play that he coaches,.   Campbell coaches a ball control/bend but don't break defense.   This means most of his games are close - they could go either way.  His defense has kept him in many games over the past 3 years.  With close games if things don't go your way, you will have unexpected losses, like this year.  Historically his teams get off to a slow start, they tend to get behind in the first half - then make adjustments and somehow squeak out wins in tight contests, or not so much this year.   Acceptable and praised at Iowa State, not so much at big time and big money programs.   Where coaches are expected to win them all.  

Campbell is currently 6-4 at Iowa State.   Any of the jobs that are currently open or likely to come open would not tolerate a 6-4 record with the team, talent, and expectations of this team.   This may cause some big time programs to overlook Campbell.   Texas is currently 4-6, they will have to win their last two games to be bowl eligible.   It would not be a shock to see Texas fire Steve Sarkisian after one year on the job.  James Franklin coach at Penn State was a big target, but his stocked has slipped because his team The Nittany Lions are currently 6-4. 

Campbell may leave at the end of the year, but I believe it would be a bad move for him in the long run.  If Campbell where to leave, I definitely do not think he would go to the pros.  He has no pro experience, and after this year he won't be in the professional conversation.   Campbell is the not likely to take a coaching position in the Big 12.  He has denied looking at the TCU job.   I personally, don't think Campbell would be a good fit for the PAC 12, SEC, or The ACC.   Most of Campbell's recruits and connections lie in the Midwest.  Which leave the Big Ten or Notre Dame as a potential landing spots.  Currently there are no opening in The Big Ten or Notre Dame.   But, hold on to your hats I'm sure that will be some opening coming in The Big Ten as we come closer to year end.  We will wait and see what happens with James Franklin at Penn State after we get past bowl season we'll see if Campbell thinks he is ready for the next level.   Stay tuned.   This year 8-4 or 7-5 may be a blessing for the Cyclones. 

How do you feel ??? What could have been.

The Cyclones are bowl eligible.   They currently sit at 6-4 and have lost 2 of the last 3.  It was fun beating Texas, it always is fun to beat Texas.  Texas has lost 5 in row and it kind of feels like a hollow win.  

If you had asked me if the Cyclones would be 6-4 at this point in the season before we played a game - I would have said, "you are crazy."   I guess I'm the crazy one.   This is going to come across as anti-cyclone, but I have to say this season has been the biggest disappointment for This Cyclone fan since the Gene Chizik era.   

With the talent and upper classmen leadership I expected more this year.   Much more.   #1. I expected a win against Iowa, we lost by 10.   We lost to a good Baylor team by 2 points in 122 heat.   But, I feel like we should have won that game.   West Virginia and Texas Tech on the road losses, I get it.   It is difficult to win in the Big 12 particularly on the Road - see Oklahoma State.   

This season is going to go down as the season that could have been.   We are going to look back and remember a talented team that did not live up to their hype, potential, or talent level.   Remember when there was discussion of Iowa State being in the College Football playoff.   I never believed that hype, but expected much more at this point in the season. 

The most discouraging thing is Campbell could be on the move.   This year more than any other I'm sounding the alarm.   Because of the amount of money that is stake in college football, coaches are losing their jobs quicker and universities are becoming less patient.  This year more than any I can remember there is going to be a big shift in many coaching positions.   Currently, USC, LSU, Washington State, Washington are all looking for new coaches in Power 5 leagues.  Jobs that will likely come open are Florida, and very possibly Texas.   This means coaches that have a high pedigree, and have previous coaching experience at the Power 5 level are going to be getting calls and tempted with big time dollars.   

If Campbell leaves for the money and a bigger conference, school, opportunity - it will make this season sting all that much more.   For this guy there is already a lot of sting.   I said, early in the year after the Iowa game that we could lose 2 more game and go 9-3 (without bowl game) and still be one of our best years ever.   Even if Iowa state wins out and goes 8-4 it feels like a real punch in the gut.   It leaves me feeling like the year of "What Could Have Been."  As a small consolation prize, at least Texas has lost 5 in row - Best of luck in the new conference Horns Down.   

ISU Individual National Football Leaders

 

RUSHING	YDS
1 Kenneth Walker IIIMSU	1,330
2 Lew Nichols IIICMU	1,297
3 Sean TuckerSYR	1,267
4 Tyler AllgeierBYU	1,167
5 Breece HallISU	1,121

***Breece Hall number 5 in the county ahead of Bijon Robinson from Texas who was getting all the headlines earlier in the year. 

SACKS	SACK
1 Felix Anudike-UzomahKSU	11.0
2 Sam WilliamsMISS	10.5
3 Will McDonald IVISU	10.0
3 Javon SolomonTROY	10.0
3 Will Anderson Jr.ALA	10.0

*** Under Rated and Under mentioned Will McDonald is tied for the Third (#3) Sack leader in the country.   All of that while playing in a 3 man Defensive front.   

Texas Tech Look Forward

Texas Tech Ring That Bell

Texas Tech fired their coach earlier this year and they have hired Baylor assistant coach Joey McGuire, who has no previous head coaching experience.  McGuire is said to have deep Texas recruiting ties after winning three Texas high school football championships at Cedar Hill High School.  Sonny Cumbie TTU's Offensive Coordinator will remain as the team's interim head coach throughout the remainder of the season including a possible bowl game.  Texas Tech is currently 5-4, on the season and is still in the hunt for a bowl game.   TTU currently stands at #7 in the Big 12 standings and ISU is listed as #4 in the Big 12 Standing.   Iowa State still has an outside chance of making the Big 12 Championship Game.   So, it feels like Iowa State has a whole lot more at stake with this game than Texas Tech, who is likely looking toward the future. 

Cyclone Shuffle

Offensively: Iowa State ranks #4 in the Big 12 with 3,902 total yards.   And here we go again Texas Tech ranks just on the Cyclones heals at #5 with 3,877 yards.   That's a difference of 25 total yard.   It seems like the Cyclones have been neck and neck with almost every team we have played this year from a Big 12 ranking perspective - Texas Tech is no different.    

Defensively: Iowa State ranks #2 in the Big 12 (thanks to West Virginia), with 2,537 total yards allowed.  Texas Tech is posted as #7 with 3,624 total yards allowed.  Advantage Cyclones. 

Special Teams:  Texas Tech is ranked #9 in The Big 12 and Iowa State is #10 or dead last as they say.   So, if I were to wager to say how this game will go.   It will fall on how frequently Iowa State can score and how often they can stop Texas Tech from scoring on the defensive end.   Pretty obvious, but it falls more on Iowa State's defense than any other part of their game.   

 Erik Ezukanma is a junior wide receiver to keep an eye on for the Red Raider .  Ezukanma is currently ranked as the #4 receiver with 631 total yards in The Big 12.   Xavier Hutchinson for the Cyclones holds the #2 receiving post with 686 total yards.   Colin Schooler, Line Backer is the leading tackler for Texas Tech at the #4 spot in the Big 12 with 69 total tackles 44 of which were solo.    Chadarius Townsend does appear to be a special team kickoff threat.   Townsend has 216 yards on 11 attempts for an average of 19.6 per return.   Can you say kick it into the end zone, or even out of bounds. 

To Infinity and Beyond.

It is Hate Texas week, month, and year.   But, for me hating The Texas Longhorns is much like Toy Story -"To Infinity and Beyond".   Texas and Oklahoma are leaving the Big 12 conference.   And for this guy it can't be soon enough, although I do want them to pay the exit fees and for everything they owe the Big 12.   Why hate Texas, well there aren't enough fingers and toes.   Yet the biggest reason is the Texas sized arrogance.   Even though the Big 12 catered to their every need it was never enough.   Throw in the Texas Longhorn network and the fact that UT wanted it all to themselves and not to make it a Big 12 network, which most surely would have extended the potential reach of the network and revenue generation for each team in the conference.   But, why would we expect Texas to care about anyone other than The University of Texas.  I am going to enjoy watching Texas somehow screw up the SEC Conference just like they did for the Southeastern Conference, and The Big 12.   

Iowa State has defeated the Longhorns the past two seasons, winning 23-21 in Ames in 2019 and 23-20 last year in Austin.  Which means this one sets up to be another close game.   A few plays, "bad calls", or a couple of turnovers can flip this game one way or another. 

Texas is #3 offensively and Iowa State is #6, in the Big 12.   Defensively Iowa State is #3 (last week killed) and Texas is #7.   Rushing is neck and neck, Texas has the edge in receiving.  Overall Iowa State should be able to score, but Texas will too.   Texas has lead the last 3 weeks in a row and folded in the second half to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Baylor - the three toughest teams in the league.   Let's hope that trend continues.   

The difference in this game will likely ride on the running backs.   Bijon Robinson from Texas and Breece hall from Iowa State.   Both backs are neck and neck from a statistical perspective view previous post.   Whichever running back shows and has the better game - their team will likely be the team to win. 

Admittedly after last weekend, I have kind of developed a meh attitude toward the Cyclone season.   My hopes and enthusiasm for this team was as high as it has ever been for an Iowa State team, and yet again I'm somehow crushed.   Like a girl that continually leads you on getting you to believe things have changed.   Although I have been mostly been on with my predictions this year.   I'm too superstitious to make a call on this one.   I'll leave it at this - this will be a close game.   Both teams need this win, both need this win badly.   It took me all week to mourn the West Virginia loss from last week and jump back into writing mode. 

Robinson versus Hall

Bijon Robinson, Texas Running Back is one of the current Heisman trophy candidates.   Robinson has slipped in the ranking but is still on the board.   Take a  look at the facts comparing Texas' running back versus Iowa State running back Breece Hall.  They are extremely close from a statistical perspective. 

• Total yards/season: Robinson 1,178, Hall 1,193

• Touchdowns/season: Robinson 14, Hall 13

• Carries/season: Robinson 163, Hall 179
  

• Yards/carry: Robinson 5.9, Hall 5.5

• Rushing yards/game: Robinson 121, Hall 123