"Perhaps I can hide my ISU shame at that missed extra point behind my hair."
Well, that was fun. Probably the most exciting game we've ever attended between two mediocre teams. Some thoughts from the game:
* Grant Gregory was the surprise starter for the Cats, and was really the story of the game. He showed an ability to move around and to make plays that Carson Coffman has not been able to provide. We had heard that Gregory's shoulder was pretty messed up and that as a result he probably wouldn't be a big factor this year (or ever for the Cats, as he's a sixth-year senior), but on Saturday he provided the spark the Cats needed. His fourth quarter touchdown throw on the move to Brandon Banks' small target downfield was especially impressive. With Gregory at quarterback, we feel a lot better about the Cats' chances to win against Colorado and aTm in Manhattan, and to possibly steal one more win along the way to finish with a .500 conference record.
* Josh Cherry finally made a fieldgoal. Granted, it was a Tim Wakefield-esque floater that barely sneaked inside the upright, but baby steps. Baby steps.
* The Cats' linebackers continue to look slow and weak. Iowa State was able to pound the run effectively. In fact, we have to question the Clones' decision to throw as much as they did in the second half, when the Cats were having trouble stopping the run. The linebackers would frequently be in the right position, but are just too slow to finish the play.
* On the bright side, the defense
did manage to come up with some key tackles for loss on 2nd or 3rd downs, which is something we haven't seen in a while.
* The crowd was less-than-impressive, at 40,000. That being said, the fans who were there seemed to have a great time, and made a fair amount of noise. We'd be surprised if the series is continued at Arrowhead past next year, however...which may be unfortunate for the Cats, who are now 4-1 at Arrowhead.
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