Five Things Iowa State Needs To Do To Save Their Season

The Season has just started; we started out strong against Northern Illinois, got our butts handed to us in Iowa City, then had a very poor effort against the Wildcats, but it's not over yet. Some fans may already looking to next year, I fell Iowa State ca still making something of this season. For this to happen, however, some definite changes need to be made.

The defense really needs to step their game up. I think K-State only punted three or four time last Saturday, and don't even get me started about the game against Iowa. The run game has looked awful since week one, allowing 750 rushing yards on the season so far! I understand our linebackers are young and inexperienced, and then the injury to Tau'fo'ou didn't help matters. One thing that has to be cleaned up is the tackling. ISU has allowed too many plays just because the guy that gets there can't make the stop, if the D doesn't shape up, its going to look like 2008 all over again.

I agree that you need a balanced attack to be effective on offense, but what worked best for Iowa State last year? Running the football. Yes, every team they face is looking to stop him, but the Cyclones have to make them stop him, not just quit running. A-Rob looked good against NIU and even against KSU for the most part. The offensive line needs to get a bit tougher, but by establishing the run it will take some of the pressure off our so called pass game. Jeff Woody has proved to be a good physical runner, and could make a good one-two punch with Robinson. Arnaud has also proved time and time again he can run the ball also. All I'm saying is, if it's not broke don't try to fix it. 

I know in my last slide I said to run the ball, but at some point we're going to have to pass. In these situations two things need to happen; One, Austin Arnaud HAS to get the ball to the receiver, and Two, The receiver HAS to catch it. Last week was a perfect example when Arnaud overthrows a wide open Alexander Robinson for the go-ahead touchdown to tie the game up, this cannot happen. What ever happened to Darius Reynolds? This guy was supposed to come in and rip the Big 12 a new one, and hes not even starting! Darks and Williams are good receivers, but let's get Reynolds on the field. No more using the "New Program" excuse it's time for this passing game to get on track! As I had mentions in my previous slide, by effectively running the ball should help the receivers get some separation.

This is just lack of discipline. I don't even want to remember how many times ISU would get into the red zone last week, only to back themselves out with penalty's. At least two of the field goal attempts against Kansas State could have been touchdowns. It doesn't matter, anytime you go from a 1st and 10 to a 1st and 25 it's going to be hard to convert, but you really can't afford it in the red zone! Hard to win ball games when you shoot yourself in the foot.

This isn't just this years team, the Cyclones have a notorious habit of not finishing games, or not showing up at all. Remember back in 2008, ISU led KU 24-7 at halftime, only to quit playing in the second half and lose by a 4. They almost pulled this week one against Norther Illinois, but they only quit in the 3rd quarter and decided to get off the bus for the 4th. ISU must play all four quarters if they want to have any chance of making anything of this schedule. It doesn't matter if we take a huge lead in the 1st half if they just cough it up in the 2nd, or vice-versa. Make them beat you, don't just give the game away.

I still believe Iowa State can come out of this season with six wins, but everybody is going to have to step up their game.There are still some winnable games on the schedule, so don't give up yet. I mean, who would of thought we could have gotten to a bowl last year? It's only Paul Rhoads second season, and I think he gave Cyclone fans a lot to look forward to in the coming years. As long as the team starts to play tougher and smarter, we should be able to get back to another bowl game this year. Let's Go Clones!!