Iowa State -13.5 for 1 UNIT (-125) -- This is an FBS vs. FCS cross-divisional game being played tonight. North Dakota State has been a powerhouse in past years going 10-1 in 2006 and beating FBS team, Ball State by 5 points. In 2007 they repeated their 10-1 record and beat FBS team, Central Michigan that year 44-14 and Minnesota 27-21. But, returning 14 starters last year, and moving into a bigger conference, they only managed a 6-5 record and lost to a poor Wyoming team by 3 points in cross-divisional play. This year, the Bison return only 4 starters on offense and 4 starters on defense and are in a true rebuilding year. Gone is the influence and remnants of their 10-1 seasons and this year they have new OCs and DCs as well.
Iowa State was a 2-10 team last season under the HC, Chizik. Chizik got a chance to bail on the program and take the Auburn job, so he did. Now, Paul Rhoads, Auburn's former DC, takes over as head coach of the program. Rhoads has already impressed me. He noticed right off that the players' fundamentals were lacking noting that "they didn't even know how to tackle properly." Starting in the Spring, Rhoads emphasized fundamentals with his players and he has seen a lot of improvement. The players also seem to be connecting with Rhoads on the offensive side of the ball as they have commented on how well they are grasping the new "no huddle" offense. Practices this Fall have looked better than they did in the Spring, so this team is improving in the right direction. ISU has 15 returning starters and they are not without talent. I think with better coaching, these guys will improve over previous years under Chizik. But, certainly, I think they are worth playing in this matchup.
Iowa State was a 2-10 team last season under the HC, Chizik. Chizik got a chance to bail on the program and take the Auburn job, so he did. Now, Paul Rhoads, Auburn's former DC, takes over as head coach of the program. Rhoads has already impressed me. He noticed right off that the players' fundamentals were lacking noting that "they didn't even know how to tackle properly." Starting in the Spring, Rhoads emphasized fundamentals with his players and he has seen a lot of improvement. The players also seem to be connecting with Rhoads on the offensive side of the ball as they have commented on how well they are grasping the new "no huddle" offense. Practices this Fall have looked better than they did in the Spring, so this team is improving in the right direction. ISU has 15 returning starters and they are not without talent. I think with better coaching, these guys will improve over previous years under Chizik. But, certainly, I think they are worth playing in this matchup.
