Kansas State versus Iowa State 100th Meeting

A little about the Game.   Iowa State and Kansas State will be meeting for the 100th time this Saturday.   Iowa State LEADS the Series 49-46-4.   However, Kansas State has owned the last 8 meetings.  But let's take a closer look at the last 8 losses.   Kansas State has won by an 8.75 margin in the last 8 games.   But there is an outlier 3 years ago when ISU lost in Manhattan 41-7.   Throw that game out and the margin of defeat drops to 5.14.   The last two games have been lost by 3 points last year and 4 points 2 years ago in Ames.   Both of those games ISU folded in the 4th quarter - something we have experienced this year. 

This game will be a battle of Old versus new.   Bill Snyder from the Hayden Fry coaching tree is 77 and Head coach of Kansas State.   You know they say that 70 is the new 80 if you live in Manhattan Kansas.   Matt Campbell is 36 and one of the youngest NCAA Division I coaches.   This makes me think of one of my old posts: Stiffler's Mom or Nadia.   Only replace Stiffler's Mom with Bill Snyder and Nadia with Matt Campbell.  

http://isucommissioner.blogspot.com/2011/10/do-you-prefer-stifflers-mom-or-nadia.html  

I will go on record and say two things.   First, I think this will be a close game.   Secondly, it doesn't really matter that much if we win or lose this year.   It would be great if we win - but we are building toward the future of a strong football program.  Yet, I think this is one of the games on the remaining schedule that we could steal.  

Not Ready To Throw Out Prohm - Just Yet.

I know it is sacrilege to say anything negative about Fred Hoiberg. I've been told I'm occasionally negative when it comes to the Cyclones.   I believe that I try to come with an objective view.  Fred is the Mayor and more beloved than Johnny Orr.  I was as hurt as any Cardinal and Gold loving cyclone Fan when Fred left.  Fred was a good coach and re-energized the program.   But let's not forget Fred cut his teeth on coaching with the Cyclones.  Fred never got passed the Sweet 16, and had another embarrassing first round exit last year in the big dance.  So, let's take a closer look at some numbers.   I didn't do this research but some enterprising soul has on our behalf.   The numbers show that we are better than we have been in the past 2 years.


http://iowastate.247sports.com/Bolt/Comparing-Iowa-State-basketball-over-the-past-three-seasons-43923910

Steve Prohm's legacy will be cemented in the post season and in the next couple years.   It isn't time to throw him out just yet.  We'll see how he does with recruiting.   We aren't deep or tall (who's to blame for the that), so I'm not expecting a deep run - but would gladly take a Sweet 16 finish this year.