Observations From Ames
After a misty morning, it was a sunny cool day in Ames. If you only saw the tailgating and you didn't know any better, you'd think that Iowa State had a good team for a long time. But when you interact with Iowa State fans, or more precisely fail to interact, you see a group of fans not willing to invest themselves emotionally in the outcome of the game. In truth, that's probably how it ought to be. The game is entertainment and not something to get too worked up about. It also creates an environment that is not intimidating to visiting teams. The in-stadium experience included a miked yell leader coaxing fans into the game and a scoreboard telling fans to get loud on third down. Obviously, they couldn't be expected to show enthusiasm otherwise.
There's a sort of hopelessness to Iowa State football. The fact of the matter is that they are a well-coached team. But Ames is not the kind of town that's going to attract the top athletes in the country. It's like trying to win at poker when you keep getting dealt a pair of twos. You may win a hand or two, but over time the bigger hands will cost you your chips.
The first half and the final score were encouraging for Nebraska fans. The Huskers did what they were supposed to against a hopeless team. It was great for Joe Ganz to get his first road win as a starter. It was also good to see the penalties come down a bit. The pass interference call against Nebraska was bogus, and while Castille's was a dumb penalty, it was sort of understandable considering how much extra rough contact Iowa State was getting away with after the whistle. With the exception of one play, the defense played well. In fact, this would seem another spot where Bo Pelini could hand out the blackshirts.
But there were still concerns. The Huskers still are turning the ball over too much. Joe Ganz is still holding the football too long. The Huskers didn't seem as determined to run the football as much as you'd like to see against a weaker team. Thankfully, the Huskers were able to be effective in that part of the game when they did run. The Huskers still are vulnerable in pass coverage. The Cyclones helped the Huskers a lot with their dropped passes.
The Huskers won by the same margin over ISU as Baylor did. That means, despite some of the euphoria of seeing the Huskers manhandle a conference opponent, the team can't look past Baylor. Like this weekend, it's a critical game for getting bowl-eligible and getting the best bowl possible. The Huskers need to take the confidence gained in this game, but also the practice work ethic from the past week, the focus on execution and beat Baylor at home. The Oklahoma or Kansas talk can come later, this week should be all about Baylor.
10/18/2008
At least now Nebraska has won two of the last four, in Ames… So that’s getting cinched up, somewhat.
Of these last 4 games I got to watch, this one had the best line play on both sides. But even against an Iowa St., when it’s 3rd and 3, they know what they have to do. And it’s not a run play.
Lucky looked like he’d have made a nice I Back, in the old offense.
Joey, while about prototype size for the old offense, just doesn’t quite have enough edge speed;-} But it’s fantastic to finally have a genuine 5th year guy in this offense. Amazing, that before the game, he was ranked 15th nationally, but only 9th in conference. We’ll take him, though. He’s a credit to the program.
Had the Corn lost possession with a call reversal on that fumble, 21-14 might have made things interesting.
On to Baylor. When I think Baylor, I automatically think how they had a good team in the early ‘90’s, then became an idiom for Phil Steele- “they got Baylored.” Meaning, a school fires a good coach who has a tough season, after years of good success.
Hmmm, reminds me of someone else…
Like Texas ATM, they’re another former SWC team I’ve always had regard for.
10/18/2008
Hey, That was a nice solid win.
Feels good when it stops hurtin, don’t it?
10/19/2008
This is one of the few games I see in person during the season. It’s interesting getting to see the ENTIRE team play, instead of a zoomed in view from a tv camera. Here are a few of my observations:
I agree, Lucky is a great athlete, but he is more suitable for classic eye formation, run through the hole north and south. He is does NOT have great vision or the lateral quickness that our other backs have.
The offensive line is just doing a zone blocking scheme, nothing fancy. They are keeping it very basic for them. Thats what these guys know from the Cali years. It’s probably going to take a year or two to develop the players to run block with a new scheme that will allow us to use a power running attack.
Yes, there were a lot of fumbles, but a few of them were really vicious hits. They have a real stud at safety named Leonard (just a freshman) who forced 3 fumbles and recovered one. I wish he was playing for us!
I agree about Ganz holding the ball too long. I watched Colt McCoy during the TX-Mizzou game make a split second decision time and time again to tuck and run, and it was always good for 5 yards or more. I hope Ganz was watching and taking notes. Joe when you feel pressure, tuck it and run for 5 or more, we know you got it in you!
Yes, the score was similar to the Baylor game, but I got the distinct impression our offense came out very flat in the second half and the play calling seemed to get a little conservative. We were leading 21-0 at halftime and if it wasn’t for the great hit on one of our receivers that forced a fumble right before half, it could have easily been 28-0. I think the offense took their foot off the gas peddle a little.
I have not seen too much of Baylor, but if we play mistake free football I am sure we will beat them. Our defense looks better each week. The secondary remains the weak link, but hopefully they will keep improving.
10/19/2008
Spot on, as usual, with your comments. I think we can take care of business with Baylor, but if we look past them, we may have trouble. Honestly, I think we can post eight wins during the regular season and win a bowl, which would put us at 9-4. Very, very respectful and a major turn from last year. Let’s support the team and reach that prediction.
10/20/2008
In regards to the recruiting comment…
I’m Nebraska boy that has moved away and Lincoln is a great town, but not an ideal spot for recruiting either. Perfect if you like corn & flatland…not so much if you like mountains or oceans.
Iowa State doesn’t have the history NU has, hence the problem gaining top notch recruits. It’s not always about location - if it was, Hawaii would be a top school every year.
10/20/2008
Dalbee,
To reach your predicted “eight wins during the regular season” which three of these teams will lose?
@ Oklahoma
Kansas
@ Kansas State
Colorado
Having to beat 3 of these 4 is of course based on a Win against Baylor which albeit very likely is not a foregone conclusion.
JR
10/20/2008
I understand with your sentiment, JR. Reaching 8 wins appears to be rather tall order at this point. There are no gimmies in the Big 12, even Baylor at home.
I think Dalbee’s point is that OU is the one game that jumps out to most as a likely/sure loss. So, that would be 8.
It depends on IF the Huskers keep improving and play at a high level. Hey, even you have to admit, it’s not as if KU, KSU, and CU are total world beaters.
10/21/2008
In regards to the fans in Ames… they must care a little bit. The face value on the Nebraska game was $90.00!!!
10/21/2008
You are correct Darren in that “it’s not as if KU, KSU, and CU are total world beaters.”
BUT (yes there is almost always one)
They don’t have to be ‘world beaters’ now do they?
I still find it odd amid so much optimism that my offer of a Misty’s based wager from last December, still stands without any takers.
Or this optimism just a ‘boy whistling in the dark’.
Just for the record:
My call back then was for losses against;
Virginia Tech
Missouri
Texas Tech
Oklahoma
Kansas
Colorado
JR