:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61269127/usa_today_11209580.0.jpg)
Things were interesting in Iowa City on Saturday. There wasn’t much good, but at least we know where the Cyclones stand heading into this week against Oklahoma. Let’s check in on three things we learned against Iowa.
Offensive Line Needs Help
When I heard the news that Julian-Good Jones would be starting at center and Sean Foster would start at left tackle, my optimism high that I had Saturday morning took a big hit. I think when that move was made the already questionable offensive line took a big hit, partly due to the fact I think Julian-Good Jones has too good of range to be limited inside at center. Sean Foster who physically looks the part of a big time tackle, just is not up to speed with the game yet. I know that Campbell probably didn’t want to put a freshman in at center in a hostile environment, but I don’t think it could have been any worse. This group has a lot of room for growth and I think they need to go back to the week one starters with Jones at left tackle and Newell at center and just go.
Mike Rose Is A Beast
Any questions if a freshman could handle the spotlight have now been answered. Mike Rose certainly did not look like a freshman. Rose led the team in tackles with 11 and was flying all over the field making plays. If this is game one for the freshman, I am certainly excited to see what his next four years are going to bring to this Iowa State defense.
Special Teams In Trouble?
This may not turn out to be a big deal later on in the season, but it certainly made things interesting in the first half. Corey Dunn was horrendous punting the ball to start, as his rugby style punts did not work at all, with one punt going 13 yards and the other 14. Safe to say he is dunn with the rugby style. He went to more of a conventional style and things worked out in the end.
We still don’t know what we have in a placekicker. Connor Assalley made his lone field goal attempt and we still don’t know if Brayden Narveson is going to play a part in all of this. Buckle up, this ought to be fun.