ISU OC Messingham takes criticism, keeps working

 By Rob Gray

 Correspondent

 AMES - Iowa State offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham didn't blink, balk or pause.

When asked Tuesday for a reaction to Cyclone coach Paul Rhoads' recent comment about evaluating all facets of the program, including possible staff changes, in the offseason, Messingham matter-of-factly replied that it's nothing new - and it's not on his mind.

“It's something that everywhere I've ever been, you worry about that when your season's over,” said Messingham, who has been the main target of angry fans as the offense consistenty struggles. “While your season's going, you've got your head in that staff room watching video and getting yourself ready. You worry about those things when the season's over.”

Messingham's concern now centers on upsetting No. 22 Oklahoma's usually stingy defense in Saturday's 11 a.m. Big 12 game (FS1) at Norman.

The Cyclones (1-8, 0-6) have scored more than 21 points once in the past four games and average 22.7 points while suffering from chronic slow starts.

“Being successful on first and second down is a big key for us this week,” quarterback Grant Rohach said.

The Sooners (7-2, 3-2) have allowed 21 or fewer points in five of seven games, though they've yielded 30 and 41 points in recent weeks.

“It's a normal Oklahoma defense where you'd say big, long (defensive backs) that run well,” Messingham said. “Their three D-linemen that they play with are athletic, fast - and obviously they're used to flying to the football.”

Messingham's used to hearing criticism.

It comes with being a coach - particularly a coordinator.

So does spending long hours in offices and meeting rooms, searching for solutions, shoring up strengths of all sizes, always trying to discover and create an edge.

“You've got to find a happy medium,” Messingham said. “As coaches and as just individuals that want to be successful, you're going to go put in every minute of time that you feel like you need to. Yes, we have put in more time the last two weeks than we've probably put in in a long time. But you've still also got to make sure you're fresh mentally. You can't be ground down to where game day gets here, you've used it all up during the practice week. And that's the same for your players. … Making sure when the game gets here you're sharp and fresh and able to have speed, both mentally and physically.”

That's easier said than done sometimes.

In five seasons with the Cyclones, Rhoads won't coach in a bowl game for the second time.

He's not questioning the work ethic of his players or staff.

But the lack of positive results gnaw at him, not just fans, which makes sleep hard to come by.

“For the most part in life, you still get what you've earned,” Rhoads said. “And you've got to go out and earn success. You've got to go out and earn victories, and we haven't done that nearly enough.”