Although it would be nice to go into Ames and get a win, I'm much more concerned about the program correcting mistakes and getting ready for the rest of the MAC schedule.

To that end, I wouldn't mind losing (we will be underdogs anyway) if we can get this team functioning properly. I'd tell Woodside that he is the starter, but Julian will play the second quarter. At this point, we have no backup QB with experience. Woodside was bad at WMU, and maybe a backup with real experience could have come in and moved the team. Western's quarterback didn't have a problem completing 30 of 37 passes in the rain, so forget that excuse.

We need to work on communication between the coaches and the players and coaches. There is too much screwed up miscommunication that is costing us penalties, field position and scoring opportunities.

Why don't we throw to our tight ends? We have one TE who has 9 catches for the season. That's less than 2 per game. Back in the Pinkel and Amstutz eras we often had multiple tight end sets that were very productive. Tight ends can cause big match-up problems if you use them. Why keep recruiting these players if they aren't going be used as receivers?

Our pass defense still needs work.

We need to solve the problem with kickoff returners mis-playing so many balls. Let's have open tryouts this week.

The point is, use the week like a bye week where you work on the upcoming opponent, but also on the details of the game. There will be a bye after Iowa State, but I don't think this team can afford to wait to get its problems solved.

Glad we kept Woodside in the WMU game when he was struggling. Kid persevered in tough conditions. Not sure I would put in our back up qb in against a B12 opponent so he can get reps. This game is winnable If we minimize mistakes and finally put a complete game together. We can't leave points on the field like we did in this game, cincy, mizzou, etc.

Say no to 2 qbs

If you have 2, you have none.

This is woodsides season as long as he stays healthy.

It is very difficult for anyone who wasn't at the game last night to give a true analysis. It rained non-stop for the entire game and it was often nearly a downpour. Woodside stepped up and put together the game tieing drive when he had to. That shows a lot of poise and leadership. We all talk about getting this program to the next level and Iowa State is one of those games that a program like that should win. And Woodside should go the whole way. Until of course the game gets out of hand in our favor

Iowa state has been in the spot light for gettingg screwed by replay calls. Their ad spoke against it going against the ncaa rules. They are probably an angry team. Its be a nice win but stay healthy and win the MAC

Most definitely would NOT go to 2 QB unless game is out of hand, either way. If we could get the D coach to stick with his D instead of going "prevent" when they've been ahead by a couple tds, we maybe could get Julian some playing time. I'd like to see him.

We need to try and beat anyone on our schedule. This is how great programs are built and think. Look at Boise

Beating Iowa State would be nice for our resume--they aren't having a good season but they are from a "power" conference. At the same time, a loss won't hurt us much--means nothing for the MAC and given the way nobody in the conference is really going gangbusters, I think even 7-5 does get us a bowl this time. SO...why not give Northern (and to a lesser extent, BG) an Iowa State game film that makes them really think? Show some things that we don't show again in the UMass game.

On offense, keep Hunt out--it's not a conference game. Let Julian play a few series, and in both halfs, not when the game is "over". Whatever he does best, let him do. If Macon is back, run the play where he throws back to the QB again...and then run it again against the Huskies, but throw to a different Rocket. Heck, put Woodside, Julian and Macon in the backfield together for a play--who gets the snap? Line up in the power I a few times and give the ball to the FB--and not on 4th and one. Run a reverse or two.

On D, play man--an entire quarter. Take a pass interference penalty--show that we will fight for the ball. Throw in a new blitz package, a couple that can be disguised so that when Northern sees the defensive set, they have to guess.change the defensive front for a few plays.

And on special teams, we've already had a successful onside kick. Earlier in the season, we were doing that goofy "fake kickoff" thing...do it again a few times against Iowa State, but actually execute an onside kick out of it.

Make the Huskies overthink things. I don't think they are quite as confident about winning this game as they have been in recent seasons.

At some point Julian needs to get some reps against live action. This would be the perfect time to get him in for a couple of series so he gets used to the college game. It is not a 2 qb system I'm advocating, but we are already on QB #2 and to not be concerned that our back-up has virtually no reps in college is just weird. Woodside can get a lot of reps, but I'd like Julian to get some reps to try and lead the team, give him some things to work on, and get ready in case he needs to be there to win a championship. He didn't get much time to get reps with Ely playing.

I'm all for getting our #2 the reps if we are ahead or behind when it makes no sense to risk injury to our starter. Until then....Woodside for Prez!

This ISU team is 1-4. They won't be easy, but they are very beatable. They will be hungry to beat us because, honestly, I don't expect them to win more than two more games this year looking at their schedule. They allow a lot of points and don't score many themselves. If we can play disciplined football when it counts, we can win this game no doubt. However, if we can't finish drives and can't stop the pass, we can easily lose...

Really want to get a nice road win.

Been a long time.

C'mon Rockets.

Win in Ames, IA.

With Iowa State being 1-4 they must be looking at this game as a winnable home game and so I expect we'll see their best game. We'll have to be at our best to beat a team who will be playing a must-win game.

I always think the Second String QB should play 2 consecutive series in all games as a way to develop depth.

What an OT win on the road isn't considered a good win? :-)

(10-05-2014 08:51 PM)emanoh Wrote:  What an OT win on the road isn't considered a good win? :-)

BG last year wasn't bad either.

We lost in OT last time in Ames.

Come home with the W this time, Rockets!

If we aren't playing to win every game, why bother?

(10-06-2014 08:48 AM)RangerRocket Wrote:  If we aren't playing to win every game, why bother?

You took the words right out of my mouth. We've already lost 2 of 3 opportunities against the Big Money conferences. It would be nice, and I believe important, to win one.

plus confidence building going into the final stretch. 5-2 is much nicer than 4-3

I believe it's also Homecoming in Ames.....