Its a Panther State y'all...

[TH1974]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

I have to partially disagree and say that it remains demoralizing because there is so much more at stake for ISU. Their fans won't admit it but both sides of this coin understand that this rivalry game, based one recent results, should be competitive and close. However, there is another party out there called the media and they don't know $#!t about either team other than ISU = Big XII and UNI = FCS so by default ISU should have enough advantages (financially, resources, etc...) to beat UNI and in a way that reflects that imaginary gap between BCS and non-BCS (or non-FBS) schools.

When that victory doesn't occur you get what we're seeing right now with ESPN and others, who are now all of a sudden realizing that the FCS teams aren't that far behind, especially in regards to average or below average BCS teams. The reality is that FCS teams, especially the NDSU's and UNI's, are still competitive with a majority of the FBS (sorry but I'm not quite venturing out far enough to claim that NDSU could go 4 quarters with 'Bama and some of the other elites). But the perception that the media wants to portray is that we're in the minors and we shouldn't be touching these "big-time" programs. To acknowledge that we are competitive and not just flukes is to acknowledge that all that money they pour into those bowl games and "Power 6" conferences (I'm not talking about just ESPN btw), is being spent on teams that really aren't all that great.

At least that's my take on it. We got a paycheck, a W and bragging rights last night. ISU got a nice long look in the mirror and will get plenty of ribbing from others for a good long time. Also their program looks like it hasn't progressed like they all thought after a couple of bowl appearances and some big wins against big teams.

I don't think the media is to boogeyman you're making it out to be.

[panther-state]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

I don't think the media is to boogeyman you're making it out to be.

Probably not. I kinda zoned out there for a bit and just ranted.

[JayJ79]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

I don't think the media is to boogeyman you're making it out to be.

it's kind of a chicken and the egg argument.
the media is just catering to the general public's perception
yet the public's perception is influenced by the media

[panther-state]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

Here's a link to an awesome, short video featuring some highlights and postgame interviews from last nights game.

Unfortunately you do get a brief glance at that Rohr injury. Great stiff arm, but man that does not look like he'll be back anytime soon.

[TH1974]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

it's kind of a chicken and the egg argument.
the media is just catering to the general public's perception
yet the public's perception is influenced by the media

But what is "the media" saying? Why the outrage? I'd be happy to reconsider.

[BryceC]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

Good posts and excellent understanding of the cyclone fan position panther-state.

[Newsbreaker]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

It shouldn't be demoralizing because we're probably the best (and no worse than second best) OOC team they'll see this year, and we're better than at least one or two BIG XII opponents they'll face.

It's demoralizing only if you either:

A) Fail to appreciate the quality of UNI

or

B) Over state ISU's standing and place them into the class of FBS programs who don't have to worry about beating us.

Otherwise, they can still be what they think they are. A worse UNI team almost beat the Big Ten champs last year. We should have beaten a top-10 Iowa team. A "bad" performance against us is indicative of nothing except our quality, unless you have your head buried.

[Blue42]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

I have to partially disagree and say that it remains demoralizing because there is so much more at stake for ISU. Their fans won't admit it but both sides of this coin understand that this rivalry game, based one recent results, should be competitive and close. However, there is another party out there called the media and they don't know $#!t about either team other than ISU = Big XII and UNI = FCS so by default ISU should have enough advantages (financially, resources, etc...) to beat UNI and in a way that reflects that imaginary gap between BCS and non-BCS (or non-FBS) schools.

When that victory doesn't occur you get what we're seeing right now with ESPN and others, who are now all of a sudden realizing that the FCS teams aren't that far behind, especially in regards to average or below average BCS teams. The reality is that FCS teams, especially the NDSU's and UNI's, are still competitive with a majority of the FBS (sorry but I'm not quite venturing out far enough to claim that NDSU could go 4 quarters with 'Bama and some of the other elites). But the perception that the media wants to portray is that we're in the minors and we shouldn't be touching these "big-time" programs. To acknowledge that we are competitive and not just flukes is to acknowledge that all that money they pour into those bowl games and "Power 6" conferences (I'm not talking about just ESPN btw), is being spent on teams that really aren't all that great.

At least that's my take on it. We got a paycheck, a W and bragging rights last night. ISU got a nice long look in the mirror and will get plenty of ribbing from others for a good long time. Also their program looks like it hasn't progressed like they all thought after a couple of bowl appearances and some big wins against big teams.

That's a great post.

[CincyPanther88]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

When that victory doesn't occur you get what we're seeing right now with ESPN and others, who are now all of a sudden realizing that the FCS teams aren't that far behind, especially in regards to average or below average BCS teams. The reality is that FCS teams, especially the NDSU's and UNI's, are still competitive with a majority of the FBS (sorry but I'm not quite venturing out far enough to claim that NDSU could go 4 quarters with 'Bama and some of the other elites). But the perception that the media wants to portray is that we're in the minors and we shouldn't be touching these "big-time" programs. To acknowledge that we are competitive and not just flukes is to acknowledge that all that money they pour into those bowl games and "Power 6" conferences (I'm not talking about just ESPN btw), is being spent on teams that really aren't all that great.

There may be a little more at stake for schools like Iowa State and Kansas State. Neither school is historically good at football and the money and the power seems to flow towards the big football conferences. Losing to UNI and NDSt - regardless of the latter schools' prominence in football - makes the Big 12 look like crap. They might sneak into bowls this year because there's so many of them but everyone who plays them from now on is going to be infected by their losses. When Texas and Oklahoma play ISU and KSU, if they win, they are going say that they beat teams who lost to FCS schools. God forbid if they actually lost to them.

The conference realignment is pretty fluid now. Perhaps in a year or two, Texas and Oklahoma aren't going to want to be dragged down in a conference where teams are losing to FCS schools. Maybe they join the SEC or the Pac 12 or the Big 10. If there's no Oklahoma or Texas in the Big 12, it's no better than the Sun Belt and the rest of the schools aren't getting that sweet, sweet Texas money. They won't go belly-up but they won't be invited to the big boys' table. One of the rest of them may sneak into the playoffs but with only 4 teams going, you have to think they will be on the outside looking in.

[UNIdad]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

Wow, that was fun. Finally finished one again.

Cyclone fans, you can come here for your much deserved crow.

UNI FIGHT!

Took an day off of visiting the forums, but I'm here now for my serving of crow. I predicted a big win for ISU last Saturday and a big win for UNI this Saturday. Hopefully, I will be half right!

David Johnson was even better than many of you said. He wasn't just the best RB on the field, he ran like a man in a boy's game. Too bad he didn't get that one last yard which would have given him 200 for the game and the record-setting fifth TD. He deserved both.

I haven't yet analyzed a replay, but it seemed that ISU got beat badly on the line. On defense, we have been okay in the past because of Knott and Klein filling holes, but on Saturday, Jeremiah George had only 2 tackles (assists) and Miller didn't show up (pulled after 1 Q). For the record (for those who trashed him), at the end of the 1st Q, Ben Bruns made a big point of how badly the ISU defense was "filling spots."

Brackens stepped up like we needed from a LB and Luke Knott came in and played well (including a veterab-caliber breakup on one pass. Of our top six tacklers (the ones with more than 2 each), four were DBs, one was a LB sub (Knott), and the other was Brackins. We will blame a lot of bad tackling, which is true, but I think it has more to not handling blocks well (translated, getting beat by good blocking). On a few occasions, I saw LBs trying spin moves to get around blocks, but after the spin they couldn't do anything. More often, it seemed that they were moved aside and could only get an arm or hand on Johnson (which didn't do more than scratch his itches).

On the other side, Kollmorgan seemed to have lots of time and composure. Frankly, I'm not sure why he didn't have more passing yardage, other than he didn't need it with Johnson running all over with handoffs and passes. Hopefully, good coverage by our DBs (which should be a strength for us) was part of it. We may need them to help if our DL can't get pressure. We were hearing about David Irving finding his place on the inside of the d-line, but he seemed to get handled pretty well.

One offensive bright spot was Justin Coleman. His is a great story and it was nice to see him come out and make some big plays.

Again, like I said, I haven't watched a replay to do more in-depth analysis, but I know what I will be looking for: LBs not fighting off blocks to make tackles, DL not getting penetration, OL not protecting, and TEs not blocking and not getting open for safety routes.

The bottom line stats in the paper would lead you to think ISU won. Fairly even in total rushing, total passing, punts, and first downs. ISU slight advantage in 3rd down conversions and time of possession. Ordinarily, I would think two fumbles lost by UNI would be the determining factor, but it wasn't. Also, two missed FGs and settling for two FGs in the red zone means that 20 points were left on the field (and I know UNI also left points on the field, such as the 7 on the one yard line).

It was certainly not encouraging for ISU fans. Hopefully, they will be able to make some changes to turn it around. Sometimes, it seems that it has to get bad before you make the big choices (such as putting Luke Knott in). I think ISU is better than they looked and the coaches are going to have to put it back together. Perhaps they didn't show everything in the playbook, assuming they could win a few games before doing so, such as using the twin TE set. I also like the fact that they didn't play true freshman LB Alton Meeks (who reminds me of AJ Klein), apparently showing that they will redshirt him.

So . . . congratulations. UNI had a good game plan. David Johnson was The Hulk. I hope UNI goes undefeated, starting with a pounding of Drake this week (for which I will be there tailgating and cheering). The better you do, the slightly less it hurts to have lost to you.

And on a bright note, we got a spot under some trees, so we had shade for our biggest and best tailgate ever. In Ames, we have honed the skill of having great tailgates regardless of the game. It is our coping technique for years of mediocre or worse performance.

[arealcat]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

I also think our O line did a great job. They controlled the line of scrimmage more than I expected. Sawyer and the WR's played pretty well. Impressed with Vereen, could be special if he continues to improve. Our defense played well overall too, but they can even improve on tackling. That QB was sure slippery at times.

David Johnson is just ridiculous. Deiondre Hall is going to wreak havoc all year as well. Very excited for this team. We controlled the game and probably should have won by more. Take care of the ball and the possibilities are endless the next few years.

[UNI Prof]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

Farley out coached Rhoads and it wasn't particularly close. I'm not sure why Rhoads gets so much love at ISU.

[TH1974]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

Farley out coached Rhoads and it wasn't particularly close. I'm not sure why Rhoads gets so much love at ISU.

Fans are dumb. Rhoads talked the talk and made his teary lockerroom speeches and people ate it up. He won some big games and made a couple bowl games right off the bat. Overachieved in many ways, but I don't think his success (to the extent that he's had it) is sustainable, and neither is the love in Ames.

This isn't just at Iowa State. Most Hawkeye fans embraced Kirk Ferentz's rigid conservative tight-assedness for a long time, but that's wearing thin now. Look at some UNI fans' gripes about Farley or Jake after tough losses or sub-par seasons. It happens everywhere. Most new coaches have a honeymoon period that'll continue as long as the talk+wins/losses ratio is acceptable. Rhoads' slobbering folksiness won't be embraced forever.

[Panther/Statesman]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

But what is "the media" saying? Why the outrage? I'd be happy to reconsider.

Today's media and its component reporters are lazy or pragmatic depending on your perspective. We have an instant gratification culture that demands bite sized logic that is rapidly prepared. Say a reporter wanted to do an in-depth analysis of the current state of the cyclone football program versus their competition the year. First, that flies in the face of the smoke and mirrors from the athletic department, which spends big bucks in local media promoting season ticket sales. So the editor goes with the smoke and mirrors, they don't bite the hand that feeds them and the smoke and mirrors becomes group think.

Along comes UNI, smaller fan base, limited marketing. The fact that UNI has been competitive with ISU is merely an inconvenient side item. Then UNI kicks ISUs rump, it is phrased in terms like shocking and David takes Goliath. Then the coach and fan speak comes in, well we could've scored here should've stopped them there, really should have been a win... Reality is that UNI was closer to blowing out ISU, but that runs contrary to the big buck athletic department wants put out for public consumption.

The next time UNi plays Iowa or ISU, it will be back to the same old pre-packaged UNI can't win formula. The register and lap dog Des Moines tv market entries are notorious for this, the Gazette is much better, especially Hlas.

All that hoo-ha aside, ISU should take heart, although Iowa has and has had and likely will always have better talent, they have an incredibly lousy coaching staff. Same mistakes, sickenly predictable play calling, and Count Ferentz who looks like his pulse stopped 10 years ago. I see ISU getting off the deck and winning.

Now, lets have no post ISU hangover and handle Drake.

[TH1974]

Re: Its a Panther State y'all...

Today's media and its component reporters are lazy or pragmatic depending on your perspective. We have an instant gratification culture that demands bite sized logic that is rapidly prepared. Say a reporter wanted to do an in-depth analysis of the current state of the cyclone football program versus their competition the year. First, that flies in the face of the smoke and mirrors from the athletic department, which spends big bucks in local media promoting season ticket sales. So the editor goes with the smoke and mirrors, they don't bite the hand that feeds them and the smoke and mirrors becomes group think.

Along comes UNI, smaller fan base, limited marketing. The fact that UNI has been competitive with ISU is merely an inconvenient side item. Then UNI kicks ISUs rump, it is phrased in terms like shocking and David takes Goliath. Then the coach and fan speak comes in, well we could've scored here should've stopped them there, really should have been a win... Reality is that UNI was closer to blowing out ISU, but that runs contrary to the big buck athletic department wants put out for public consumption.

The next time UNi plays Iowa or ISU, it will be back to the same old pre-packaged UNI can't win formula. The register and lap dog Des Moines tv market entries are notorious for this, the Gazette is much better, especially Hlas.

All that hoo-ha aside, ISU should take heart, although Iowa has and has had and likely will always have better talent, they have an incredibly lousy coaching staff. Same mistakes, sickenly predictable play calling, and Count Ferentz who looks like his pulse stopped 10 years ago. I see ISU getting off the deck and winning.

Now, lets have no post ISU hangover and handle Drake.

Should be easy to post some links.