Rohach eager to improve on 'not very good' performance

 By Rob Gray

 Correspondent

 AMES - Film study backed up Iowa State quarterback Grant Rohach's brutal self-assessment of his first career start.

“Not very good,” Cyclone coach Paul Rhoads said.

That would be the consensus analysis of the redshirt freshman's overall performance in Saturday's 21-17 home loss to TCU, but that conclusion apparently won't prevent him from lining up behind center again to start Saturday's 11 a.m. Big 12 game between the Cyclones (1-8, 0-6) and No. 22 Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2) at Norman.

“I think I was pretty accurate,” Rohach said of his personal evaluation in the wake of going 18 of 38 for 148 yards in ISU's fifth loss in a row. “I don't think I graded out very well. Made poor choices with the ball, which, you know, can't happen being quarterback. But knowing those things are things we can improve on - that's good about the game.”

It was, after all, his first start.

And, after six three and outs in Saturday's first seven offensive possessions, Rohach began to hit stride.

He completed three of his first four passes on the subsequent drive, which spanned 15 plays and 64 yards and culminated in a 35-yard Cole Netten field goal that put ISU in front, 17-14, with 1:33 left in the third quarter.

“You could see in the third quarter how efficient we were when we got over that hump - that agonizing, keep getting third downs,” said Rohach, who again expects to share some time with Sam Richardson against the Sooners.

Tempo emerged.

Offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham, Rhoads said, established a rhythm.

“His run versus the pass versus first and 10 and whatever kept them off balance,” Rhoads said.

Speaking of Messingham, if you think the quarterback position's in a constant state of turmoil, step into his shoes.

A vocal segment of fans on message boards and radio shows have leveled heavy criticism toward the second-year coordinator.

Rhoads himself has openly questioned play-calling at numerous times this season, but stopped short of declaring offseason coaching changes will be in order when asked if they might be.

“I don't necessarily steer towards that,” Rhoads siad. “When I say we're going to examine everything, we're going to examine everything. We're going to look at the jobs coaches have done. I' m going to look at the job my own self has done in motivating this team, leading the staff, giving direction. But that won't be the focal point of it - ‘do I need to make coaching changes because of it'? We'll look at everything and then move forward from there.”

For now, on offense, that means Rohach maintains control.

He doesn't lack skill or confidence.

He lacks experience and consistency - and aims to find it in the final three games of 2013.

“With every rep and every game, (the game's) slowed down for me a bunch,” Rohach said.

Richardson, who started the first eight games of the season, has been plagued by injuries, but continues to pose the most potent threat in the running game.

“I think that's very clear to be seen,” Rhoads said.

Rohach is the more capable passer at the moment.

“Whether it's a touch, intermediate, or deep ball, he gives us the best opportunity when it comes to that right now,” Rhoads said. “Right now meaning Oklahoma week.”

KNOTT'S SURGERY: Rhoads said linebacker Luke Knott's kip surgery went “very well” and he's slowly churning gears on a stationary bike to keep circulation flowing. Rhoads said Knott will miss spring practices, but could began working into football shape in the summer. “By August he will be at full speed,” he added.

 IRVING QUESTIONABLE: Defensive tackle David Irving didn't play Saturday and it's uncertain when he'll return from what Rhoads described as a “health issue that is non-football related.”

 GANNON'S RETURN: Offensive tackle Jacob Gannon played in all but one series Saturday, and played well, Rhoads said, in his first game back from an MCL injury. “(He) had zero issues with the knee,” Rhoads said. “That helps and will help in the next three games.”

 SET YOUR DVR: Rhoads was asked about whether he spend any time on anything other than football during the season. He said late Thursday nights, after the game plan is set, theoretically present the one opportunity for his mind to briefly wander toward something less weighty - not that it's happened much this season. “I'm way behind on my ‘Hawaii Five-O' and ‘CSI' tape recordings right now and I'm bitter about that,” Rhoads deadpanned. “But, no. It's all-consuming.”