GAMEDAY: Rhoads still believes in Cyclones

AMES - Nothing's changed.

In two words, that summarizes Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads' belief in his football team and hopes for a successful season.

Despite a three-game losing streak, he's still high on both entering today's 2:30 p.m. homecoming matchup against No. 17 Texas A&M.

“I got an email (Wednesday) from an alum, both an Ankeny (High School) and Iowa State alum, and he said, ‘In football, there are no rear view mirrors,'” Rhoads said. “I had never heard that before. But it's very appropriate in this game and with our football team right now.”

Don't dwell. Jell.

Even when the Cyclones (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) are facing down a 20 1/2-point favorite in the Aggies (4-2, 2-1). Even after dropping their first three conference games by an average of 27 points.

“We are better than that,” said junior linebacker A.J. Klein, who notched a team-best 12 tackles and interception for touchdown in last week's 52-17 loss at Missouri. “We have to continually reiterate that. We had a great start to the season and we have to build on that. We can't look at the negatives. We can just build on the positives and move on.”

One positive: ISU has triumphed over the odds twice already this season, beating favored Iowa and Connecticut in September.

“Sometimes we have to get reminded of it, that we're all right,” said quarterback Steele Jantz, who may start his seventh game today or be displaced by Jared Barnett. “We do our job, we'll be OK and we're good enough to win. Our mentality is just simplifying everything and getting back to working hard.”

ISU wasn't facing double-digit point spreads against the Hawkeyes and the Huskies, but the upset wins still serve as firm, recent precedent.

“So we've taken a team that's not supposed to win those games and played smarter, played harder, played better, whatever it is, to finish up on the right end of the scoreboard,” Rhoads said. “Now as I look at the last six games, I don't know if we're going to be predicted to win any of them. So as a head football coach, it's my responsibility to get our kids ready to play and in their minds to believe that we will (win). That's exactly what I aim to do.”

If faith is to mesh with reality, the Cyclones will need to show dramatic improvement. The Aggies lead the nation in sacks (four per game), are tied for third in sacks allowed (one-half per game), rank fifth in rushing defense (72.3 yards), and stand seventh in total offense (524.7 yards).

A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill - a former wide receiver with 10 career touchdown catches - has thrown for 13 scores, matching his total last season.

“I think he's a real intelligent football player,” Rhoads said. “He understands the game. He understands weaknesses and strength and he's able to execute with that in mind.”

So the Cyclones know what they're up against.

Again.

It wasn't long ago they were riding high at 3-0 after a triple-overtime win over Iowa. Now nothing but long odds remain, but they're not met with long faces.

“The schedule isn't going to get any easier,” Rhoads said. “In fact, it's going to get increasingly harder as we go through it, based on the rankings. So we've got to have a great focus - what I refer to as a hard focus - on every day's assignments, this particular plan and (today's) game.”

GAME ANALYSIS

When Texas A&M has the ball

Stack the box. Yes, A&M is extremely productive through the air, but stopping the run is job one. And the Cyclones have given up 689 yards on the ground the past two games.

Make your move. The Aggies' offensive line protects quarterback Ryan Tannehill like few others, allowing a paltry .5 sacks per game. ISU's pass rushers must get creative, one-on-one, to bring pressure.

Stay fresh. A&M isn't necessarily a jet tempo team, but the more bodies the better when trying to defend its balanced attack. That means rotate deep and cycle often up front.

Run interference. Literally. If ISU is to produce any pressure up front, defensive backs will face a fair amount of man situations. A penalty's far less damaging than a long TD pass.

Feel the crowd. ISU's last home crowd, a sellout, was silenced early by a myriad of mistakes and Texas' subsequent big lead. Keep it close and help fans form a true home field advantage.

When ISU has the ball

Pick it up. The Aggies dial up the blitz early and frequently, with often impressive results (26 sacks). O-line must have its best game yet and quarterback(s) need to be precise and quick.

Go vertical. Darius Reynolds has shown he can excel in jump ball situations. For the offense to be successful, he should be targeted several times - underneath and downfield.

Cash in. The Cyclone defense gave the offense four take-aways to work with the past two games. None turned into points - and only two led to drives that went beyond three and outs.

Two hands. Always. Every time. In traffic or open space. The Cyclones have turned the ball over 18 times - an even mix of interceptions and fumbles. Only three teams have been more giving.

Locate Lenz. Josh Lenz started fast, with 134 yards receiving and two touchdowns in the first three wins. In the three losses, he's been kept in check, managing 72 yards in catches.

Scoreboard

I didn't see the Missouri rout coming, but can't help thinking the Cyclones will hang in there. Could there be a turnover-free game?

Texas A&M 34, ISU 26