“I hope they don’t overturn this.” The words of Head Coach Matt Campbell as refs called a fumble against Montgomery as he was going into the end zone against Memphis in the Liberty bowl, which would’ve put the Clones up at least 7. In a controversial call, they upheld it. Montgomery’s first fumble all year.
Campbell told his D, he wanted them to keep the call, knowing Memphis had time to get into field range and win the game. He wanted to see what they were made of. The answered the call and won by one.
No blow-outs no matter who they played. You can see the culture changing.
Not only do I like ISU total wins OVER 6.5 – but I think they have just as good of a chance to win the Big 12 conference @ +2500 this year. (I parlayed them, Wisky and Clemson in a small parlay.)
Recap of last year:
Matt Campbell and co. came into the season still wondering about QB, def and o-line.
QB was interesting with Park leaving the team after the TX debacle. Kempt is steady as it gets. Not a great athlete, but excellent team leader and game manager. Only 3 int thrown last year and will have help with the run game more this year as mentioned below.
The o-line was still below avg. Despite that, Montgomery solidified himself as one of the best RB in nation. Despite a below avg o-line, DM ran for 1,146 yards and led the nation in broken tackles.
The D did not have an identity until after the Iowa loss. They switched to the 3-3-5 and had maybe the greatest defensive season ever at ISU.
Here is where it gets interesting:
ISU changed their defense and slowed down the high-flying attack of the big 12. 2018 Media days showed a focus of the coaches to switch their game plan. Meaning, you will see less air raid and more run game type offenses. (I REALLY BELIEVE YOU WILL SEE A LOT OF UNDERS, ESPECIALLY W UNDER RATED DEF LIKE ISU, TX, TCU – even WVU, Baylor, KSU should be decent.)
Everyone will say, they will catch up to what ISU did and ISU won’t have the advantage. BUT,
ISU looked like they wanted to slow down the game last year. Folks chalk that up to Kempt lack of arm strength. However, Campbell has said he wants to push tempo through THE RUN GAME. With Toledo he averaged 10-15 more plays/game. He will implement that here this year. The offensive line is more experienced and has more depth with another year under Campbell (this is his background.) You also have Kene Nwangwu back from injury and 2 other RB with experience. Very deep position.
Here is where Campbell is one step ahead:
Now teams are switching the combat what ISU does, and that is exactly what Campbell wants. He is already equipped to play this way. He will be better than rest of big 12 and has shown they know how to stop the air raid style of offense.
CAMPBELL IS DICTATING HOW THE GAME IN THE BIG 12 WILL BE PLAYED.
Other notes:
In 2014, ISU ranked 125th against the run, last year 23rd. The D is improved and now probably has the most talent and depth ever at ISU. They lost MLB (converted QB) and now has an actualy MLB coming in. The secondary has the best CB duo in big 12.
There is little weakness on this team and no reason they shouldn't have the same chance of winning the big 12 as any other teams, all with holes to fill. Keep in mind, they were tied for 1st over half way through last season.
Already bet ISU -13.5 against SDSU and +3.5 @ Iowa as I think they win outright. More analysis to come as we get closer to the start of the season.
It feels closer than 5 weeks away from football...Good luck to everyone as we get ever closer.