The early returns for Iowa State football have been good enough to keep the Cyclones at 2-2, but the cracks are obvious now. A rough first half against Utah changed the feel of the season quickly, and with West Virginia coming up this weekend, Iowa State has some real cleanup to do.
One of the biggest issues has been tackling on the defensive side, especially out near the cornerbacks. David Coffey, Seth Johnson, Jaheim Singletary, Beni Ngoyi, and others have held up well in coverage, but they have had a hard time finishing plays when the ball carrier gets into space. The linebackers have done a strong job shutting down runs between the tackles, but outside runs have given Iowa State trouble.
The offense has its own problem, and it starts with Jaylen Raynor’s deep ball. He has shown some good moments and made plays with his legs, but the passing game has not been consistent enough.
A few deep throws have connected, but too many have sailed well beyond the receiver or missed the target area entirely. Without that vertical threat, the offense loses a piece that helps it move the ball downfield with consistency.
Iowa State has also had trouble sorting out unusual offensive looks. Bowling Green and Utah both gave the Cyclones problems with schemes that forced them to think fast and react even faster.
Bowling Green leaned on screen passes, quarterback sneaks, and fakes that threw Iowa State off early. Utah brought a different kind of challenge, using multiple quarterbacks, receivers, and rushers as quarterbacks, plus plenty of backfield motion to create confusion.
In both games, the Cyclones were slow to identify what they were seeing, and that showed up in the way they played. Defensive recognition has to improve if Iowa State wants to keep games under control, or at the very least stay close when the pressure rises.
In Other News...
Iowa States Passing Struggles Just Put Jimmy Rogers In A Tough Spot
Iowa States passing game has become a sore spot early enough in the season that Jimmy Rogers felt compelled to address it directly, and he did so with a message aimed as much at the fan base as at his own locker room. Rogers acknowledged the frustration around the offense, but asked for patience and support while the staff works through a rough stretch through the air. He also made clear he was not interested in placing the blame on one player, stressing that football problems rarely belong to just one person.
The challenge now is figuring out how the Cyclones move forward without turning the discussion into a public quarterback debate too quickly. Changes at quarterback or in the offensive approach are on the table if the passing game doesnt improve, and Rogers comments suggest he knows the pressure is building. For now, though, he is trying to keep the focus on the bigger picture, even as the aerial issues make every offensive series feel a little more urgent. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa State Faces A Bigger Problem Than Just Bouncing Back
West Virginia and Iowa State both head into Ames looking to steady themselves after recent home losses, and the matchup brings a little extra weight because both coaches know their teams are searching for more than just a quick reset. Rich Rodriguez and Jimmy Rogers each had to address what went wrong and what needs to change, and that makes this a useful early-season checkpoint for two programs trying to define themselves in Big 12 play.
For the Cyclones, the backdrop is bigger than simply getting back in the win column, because the next step has to come with cleaner execution against a West Virginia team that is also trying to find its footing. The game also gives the spotlight to two of the leagues top running backs in Cam Cook and Aiden Flora, a matchup that could shape the rhythm of the afternoon even before either side starts worrying about the long view. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa State Fans Just Set The Stage For A Big Next Stretch
Iowa State football has spent the season leaning on a fan base that has shown up even while the on-field results have been uneven. During a recent press conference, coach Jimmy Rogers made a point to thank supporters for sticking with the Cyclones, and the home crowds have backed that up by drawing at least 50,000 fans to every game in Ames so far.
There is still plenty on the calendar to keep attention pointed toward the Cyclones, starting with a homecoming game that could bring another attendance boost. Basketball season is also beginning to peek into view, with local media availability set for Oct. 12 before the team heads to Big 12 Basketball Media Days, where new player Tamin Lipsey will be introduced, giving Iowa State fans another reason to stay engaged as the fall stretch unfolds. [Read more 🡒]