Man oh man…
What Went Wrong
Passing Offense
I don’t really know what to say at this point. We are now 9 games into a 12 game season… the diagnosis simply cannot be “they’re not on the same page” anymore. We’re well beyond
that expiration date with the communication, or lack thereof, between the quarterback and wide receivers. The drops are bad. The missed throws are bad. The miscommunications are bad. It’s all bad. It’s all gone horribly wrong for a passing attack that many thought may take a step back after losing an NFL duo out wide, but this isn’t a step back, it’s a full sprint back.
Jeff Sims
Iowa State has had problems with mobile quarterbacks in the past… but never 29 carries for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns bad… I mean it was apparent from the first snap of the game that the Sun Devils were going to use Sims’ legs and Iowa State, despite forcing a pair of fumbles on the quarterback, got run all over for four quarters of football. 3 down lineman, 4 down lineman, extra guys on the edge… none of it mattered. The Cyclones had absolutely no answer for Sims in the run game…
Injuries
Despite the fact that it *seems* Benjamin Brahmer is going to be alright, it’s never a fun sight to see someone take a massive hit, stand up after a few seconds, and then as he’s going to leave the field, completely collapse. Whether it be the absurd amount of injuries to the secondary this year, the up and down injuries to stars on the offense, or even the dings and dents to players across the board, this is the second year in a row that the Cyclones have been ravaged by injuries. The difference this year is that whether it be the backups coming in or the other groups around them, they haven’t been able to fill the space the same.
Dishonorable Mentions
Missed PAT, two missed kicks (7 points in a 5-point loss)
Punt returns (still)
3rd down offense (2-14)
What Went Right
Carson Hansen
Whoever RB1 ends up being on any given day, the Cyclones seem to have one spot completely sorted and it’s there. Saturday was once again a day for #26 as he eclipsed the century mark for the second week in a row and the third time this season. There haven’t been too many bright spots for the Cyclones on a consistent basis the last four games, but the running back room sure has been at the top of the list. Credit to both Hansen and Sama for being there when their number is called.
Turnovers
The Cyclones had gone 3 weeks without forcing a turnover, and after only forcing just two fumbles in 8 games, they forced and recovered two more against Jeff Sims and the Sun Devils along with an interception near the end of the first half to try and set up a field goal for the lead.
In all honesty, I thought the defense finally found a spark against Arizona State, albeit in a losing effort in which Jeff Sims literally set ASU records… but this defense needs to find some form of mojo, and maybe… just maybe… three takeaways can do that…
Also, shoutout to Marcus Neal, man. Got the pick and also forced one of the two fumbles of Sims.
Weekly Grades
Offense: D
Defense: C
Special Teams: In the doghouse until further notice
Fans: Still fun, still care
Basketball Season: It’s here
