Gopher Football
This is the third time in the last four years they’ll be in Sun Devil Stadium, and they’ll be looking for their first win in the Insight Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones (6-6).
Iowa State is coming into this game having dropped three of its last four games. They’ve had issues putting the ball into the end zone, ranking 11th in the Big 12 in scoring and eighth in total offense.
This is the 10th bowl appearance for the Cyclones, and their first since 2005. The Cyclones have dropped seven of their nine bowl matchups.
For a more in-depth breakdown of Iowa State, we defer to beat reporter Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register.
GH: A general question: Provide us a few reasons why Iowa St. has the nation’s second-best turnaround (2-10 in ’08 to to 6-6 this year) ?
RP: New coach Paul Rhoads has brought enthusiasm back to the program. His emotion is off the charts.
Opponents scored 31 of 45 times during possessions inside the 20-yard line, down significantly from 38 last season. That’s the major reason the Cyclones allowed an average of 22.6 points, compared to 35.8 last season. That 13.2 swing is the second-best scoring defense one-season turnaround in the nation, following only the 17.3 by Nebraska.
Alexander Robinson, the team’s top rusher, had 1,058 yards on 210 carries “” despite playing most of the season with groin and shoulder injuries. He rushed 703 yards last season.
Iowa State had a 6-0 record in games in which opponents scored fewer than 24 points. The record was reversed when foes scored 24 or more.
GH: Put on your offensive coordinator hat … how would you scheme to score against the Cyclones’ defense?
RP: Pass and pass more. The tallest Iowa State starter in the secondary is 6-foot Ter’ran Benton, and he’s the only 6-footer back there. The other starters are 5-10, 5-9 and 5-8. Additionally, the Cyclones aren’t exactly known as a team that puts consistent heat on the quarterback.
GH: Same question, flip-side, put on your defensive coordinator hat … how would you scheme to contain the Cyclones’ offense?
RP: Load the box with as many players as possible. Alexander Robinson needs just 44 yards to become the No. 10 rusher in Iowa State history ““ with a season remaining. Stop Iowa State rushing and make quarterback Austen Arnaud beat you.
GH: Now that ISU has made a bowl game, has the uproar over Gene Chizik leaving for Auburn quieted down?
RP: The sentiment among Iowa State fans is Gene who? Players and fans felt betrayed, not at Chizik’s leaving to take over the program at Auburn, they just weren’t happy the way it happened. Players found out via the media, then had just a 10-minute session with Chizik ““ with the Auburn plane engine still running at the Ames airport. It took a while for the players to get over it, now all’s well again.
GH: Two of the Gophers’ better players are their return guys — KR Troy Stoudermire and PR Bryant Allen — how are the Cyclones in defending kickoffs and punts?
RP: Iowa State has faced a number of good returners throughout the course of the Big 12 season, so Stoudermire and Allen won’t be anything new for the team. The Cyclones have done a good job in both departments, the longest punt return against them being 11 yards and the longest kickoff return going for 33 yards.
GH: Who are some of the individual Iowa State players Gophers fans should have an eye on?
RP: Certainly Minneapolis native Alexander Robinson is the key cog in Iowa State’s offense. He’s a 1,000-yard rusher with exceptional balance.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud is a very adept runner. He loves to run the quarterback draw.
Linebacker Jesse Smith led the Big 12 in tackles, not bad for a former walkon.
Safety James Smith is a fierce tackler.
GH: I realize that you’re already in Tempe, but talking to co-workers, friends, etc. is their a buzz in the Ames area about the game? Is is a major local event or is it a big shoulder shrug like it is here in the Twin Cities?
RP: The game is a huge event in Ames and among Iowa State fans. There’s a buzz around Cyclone basketball and wrestling, but the excitement about going from 2-10 to a bowl ““ well, it’s at a very high level, and that’s why the school’s ticket department had sold 8,000 tickets as of last weekend.
GH: This might be addressed in question No. 6, but please go more in-depth … how good is Minneapolis native Alexander Robinson (RB)?
RP: He managed 1,000 yards despite being hampered by a groin injury. He missed one game, but played sparingly in others.
GH: Starting CB Kennard Banks is suspended … how much will they miss him?
RP: This is a blessing for Iowa State. Nickel back Ter’ran Benton will be the starter. Benton ended up being a better player..and a heck of a story. He broke his leg in the first quarter against Nebraska, but toughed it out until halftime.
GH: Who wins and why?
RP: I don’t pick winners, but let’s just say the first team to 21 has a great chance of celebration.
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