Finally Just Watched The Entire Replay

[RyeCat]

Watching the whole game again today. Still got nervous through the 2nd half, haha!

A few things things I noticed though, and forgive me if these observations have already been made:

1. #2 for ISU was really limited, good coverage on him throughout much of the game, which is why Lord had a day.

2. Cole Taylor is just tough. He got a little chippy at times, but man is he a good defender!

3. Despite knowing they were entering the portal weeks ago, the players who have left, specifically Williams, Johnson, and McMillan, played so very well! They didn't back off but rather played with intensity and a will to win. I didn't really feel that way with the transfer players at the NC last year.

4. Lamson was just a money pick. So glad how that worked out!

Yes, they limited #2 Sobkowicz. He's their best 'player' on offense, but their OL was their biggest strength.

They also did a decent job on Dawson, who finished with 29-124 (4.3), which is good, but MSU stuffed him twice on the goal line and he only had 32 yards on his last 15 carries. I think the decision to kick was partly due to Dawson being slowed down and their inability to get in the end zone on six plays from the 5.

Their skill players were good, but I think their OL made them look a lot better than they are.

Their OL was very good! Haven't seen Eiden not get through at least once all season but they kept him in check. And his point about Dawson. He was tough to bring down but the Cats had success slowing him down. Lord was tough to stop, he was a good player and I'm sure they're bummed he transferred out.

Great line. I wasn’t impressed with Rittenhouse or Dawson. Without that OL you’d never have heard of them. 67 was a cheap shot artist extraordinaire.

I really wasn’t a fan of Rittenhouse and agree 100% about the line. At any sniff of pressure, he looked like he was going to pee his pants and pitched the ball to the ground or sidelines. I’m not sure which of our DBs popped him, but it made an impression.

[nanacat]

Watching the whole game again today. Still got nervous through the 2nd half, haha!

A few things things I noticed though, and forgive me if these observations have already been made:

1. #2 for ISU was really limited, good coverage on him throughout much of the game, which is why Lord had a day.

2. Cole Taylor is just tough. He got a little chippy at times, but man is he a good defender!

3. Despite knowing they were entering the portal weeks ago, the players who have left, specifically Williams, Johnson, and McMillan, played so very well! They didn't back off but rather played with intensity and a will to win. I didn't really feel that way with the transfer players at the NC last year.

4. Lamson was just a money pick. So glad how that worked out!

Yes, they limited #2 Sobkowicz. He's their best 'player' on offense, but their OL was their biggest strength.

They also did a decent job on Dawson, who finished with 29-124 (4.3), which is good, but MSU stuffed him twice on the goal line and he only had 32 yards on his last 15 carries. I think the decision to kick was partly due to Dawson being slowed down and their inability to get in the end zone on six plays from the 5.

Their skill players were good, but I think their OL made them look a lot better than they are.

Their OL was very good! Haven't seen Eiden not get through at least once all season but they kept him in check. And his point about Dawson. He was tough to bring down but the Cats had success slowing him down. Lord was tough to stop, he was a good player and I'm sure they're bummed he transferred out.

Great line. I wasn’t impressed with Rittenhouse or Dawson. Without that OL you’d never have heard of them. 67 was a cheap shot artist extraordinaire.

I really wasn’t a fan of Rittenhouse and agree 100% about the line. At any sniff of pressure, he looked like he was going to pee his pants and pitched the ball to the ground or sidelines. I’m not sure which of our DBs popped him, but it made an impression.

I think Johnson got him, but Cole Taylor hit him earlier I think. And yes, 67 was cheap the whole game. The hands to the face should have been on both him and Crews to be honest.

[91catAlum]

Watching the whole game again today. Still got nervous through the 2nd half, haha!

A few things things I noticed though, and forgive me if these observations have already been made:

1. #2 for ISU was really limited, good coverage on him throughout much of the game, which is why Lord had a day.

2. Cole Taylor is just tough. He got a little chippy at times, but man is he a good defender!

3. Despite knowing they were entering the portal weeks ago, the players who have left, specifically Williams, Johnson, and McMillan, played so very well! They didn't back off but rather played with intensity and a will to win. I didn't really feel that way with the transfer players at the NC last year.

4. Lamson was just a money pick. So glad how that worked out!

Yes, they limited #2 Sobkowicz. He's their best 'player' on offense, but their OL was their biggest strength.

They also did a decent job on Dawson, who finished with 29-124 (4.3), which is good, but MSU stuffed him twice on the goal line and he only had 32 yards on his last 15 carries. I think the decision to kick was partly due to Dawson being slowed down and their inability to get in the end zone on six plays from the 5.

Their skill players were good, but I think their OL made them look a lot better than they are.

Their OL was very good! Haven't seen Eiden not get through at least once all season but they kept him in check. And his point about Dawson. He was tough to bring down but the Cats had success slowing him down. Lord was tough to stop, he was a good player and I'm sure they're bummed he transferred out.

Lord jumped in the portal but then withdrew his name, so he'll be back at ISU. They must've come up with some additional NIL for him.

[TomCat88]

Watching the whole game again today. Still got nervous through the 2nd half, haha!

A few things things I noticed though, and forgive me if these observations have already been made:

1. #2 for ISU was really limited, good coverage on him throughout much of the game, which is why Lord had a day.

2. Cole Taylor is just tough. He got a little chippy at times, but man is he a good defender!

3. Despite knowing they were entering the portal weeks ago, the players who have left, specifically Williams, Johnson, and McMillan, played so very well! They didn't back off but rather played with intensity and a will to win. I didn't really feel that way with the transfer players at the NC last year.

4. Lamson was just a money pick. So glad how that worked out!

Yes, they limited #2 Sobkowicz. He's their best 'player' on offense, but their OL was their biggest strength.

They also did a decent job on Dawson, who finished with 29-124 (4.3), which is good, but MSU stuffed him twice on the goal line and he only had 32 yards on his last 15 carries. I think the decision to kick was partly due to Dawson being slowed down and their inability to get in the end zone on six plays from the 5.

Their skill players were good, but I think their OL made them look a lot better than they are.

Their OL was very good! Haven't seen Eiden not get through at least once all season but they kept him in check. And his point about Dawson. He was tough to bring down but the Cats had success slowing him down. Lord was tough to stop, he was a good player and I'm sure they're bummed he transferred out.

Lord jumped in the portal but then withdrew his name, so he'll be back at ISU. They must've come up with some additional NIL for him.

I think Rittenhouse, Sobkowicz, and three OL graduate, unless they were listed as seniors but still have eligibility. #67 was an All-American. Niekamp announced he's coming back, but you'd kind of think he would with his dad being the DC there.

[Prodigal Cat]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

[tetoncat]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

Or similar to Cats this year and be able ro replace around key pieces. 3 of 5 OL and TE will likely be toughest

[WolfPtCat]

Haven't re-watched the game yet.

BUT...I did run into (fmr) President Waded Cruzado in the Nashville airport bar the morning after. I think she was having coffee. I took the chance to thank her and let her know that she was a HUGE part of that National Championship. Without her, it probably wouldn't have happened. She was very gracious...as usual.

[iaafan]

I re-watched it a couple times. Still heart stopping! We could’ve waltzed, we could’ve lost. Instead we won one of the most exciting football games at any level that has ever been played.

I can almost guarantee that no team has ever blocked a field goal to force OT, an extra point in OT and then tied game on fourth down and won with extra point. Can anyone think of anything comparable? Close? I’m getting lightheaded just writing this!

[Prodigal Cat]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

Or similar to Cats this year and be able ro replace around key pieces. 3 of 5 OL and TE will likely be toughest

They kept Lord, sounds like they picked up a good WR from the portal, and apparently the RB got an extra year. If they nail the QB they could be right back. They should be ahead of NDSU and Montana in the preseason polls. They have less questions.

[TomCat88]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

Or similar to Cats this year and be able ro replace around key pieces. 3 of 5 OL and TE will likely be toughest

They kept Lord, sounds like they picked up a good WR from the portal, and apparently the RB got an extra year. If they nail the QB they could be right back. They should be ahead of NDSU and Montana in the preseason polls. They have less questions.

Their biggest question mark on offense is OL. Looks like they lose three players there. They could have guys ready, but that's a big hole. I don't think replacing Rittenhouse will be too difficult. It'll be interesting to see how Lord and Mailander do without Sobkowicz getting so much attention.

Their defense is good, not great. I'm baffled they did as well as they did defensively (and offensively) against NDSU. It was very impressive yet anomalous for both teams to almost all of their other games.

[VimSince03]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

Or similar to Cats this year and be able ro replace around key pieces. 3 of 5 OL and TE will likely be toughest

They kept Lord, sounds like they picked up a good WR from the portal, and apparently the RB got an extra year. If they nail the QB they could be right back. They should be ahead of NDSU and Montana in the preseason polls. They have less questions.

Their biggest question mark on offense is OL. Looks like they lose three players there. They could have guys ready, but that's a big hole. I don't think replacing Rittenhouse will be too difficult. It'll be interesting to see how Lord and Mailander do without Sobkowicz getting so much attention.

Their defense is good, not great. I'm baffled they did as well as they did defensively (and offensively) against NDSU. It was very impressive yet anomalous for both teams to almost all of their other games.

I think NDSU had OL injuries but going from 5.9 ypc in Game 1 to 2.2 in Game 2 for the Bison was the biggest factor for ISU. ISU's defense was insane that game based on the positions they were put in by the offense.

[Prodigal Cat]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

Or similar to Cats this year and be able ro replace around key pieces. 3 of 5 OL and TE will likely be toughest

They kept Lord, sounds like they picked up a good WR from the portal, and apparently the RB got an extra year. If they nail the QB they could be right back. They should be ahead of NDSU and Montana in the preseason polls. They have less questions.

Their biggest question mark on offense is OL. Looks like they lose three players there. They could have guys ready, but that's a big hole. I don't think replacing Rittenhouse will be too difficult. It'll be interesting to see how Lord and Mailander do without Sobkowicz getting so much attention.

Their defense is good, not great. I'm baffled they did as well as they did defensively (and offensively) against NDSU. It was very impressive yet anomalous for both teams to almost all of their other games.

Their LB's and front was the best the Cats played all year (except Oregon of course). The secondary was not good and was further exacerbated by losing the best one in the second qtr for targeting.

[The Butcher]

After watching the replay, I think the offsides had more to do with the snap count. During the game, watching in person, I initially thought it was due to defensive disconcerting signals, but after seeing the replay and the Cats’ reactions, it really looks like they were jumping the snap.

[tetoncat]

ISUr 2-deep. They lose the QB, their best player in the WR, and quite a bit in the trenches.

They could be good next season but a step back is most likely.

Or similar to Cats this year and be able ro replace around key pieces. 3 of 5 OL and TE will likely be toughest

They kept Lord, sounds like they picked up a good WR from the portal, and apparently the RB got an extra year. If they nail the QB they could be right back. They should be ahead of NDSU and Montana in the preseason polls. They have less questions.

Their biggest question mark on offense is OL. Looks like they lose three players there. They could have guys ready, but that's a big hole. I don't think replacing Rittenhouse will be too difficult. It'll be interesting to see how Lord and Mailander do without Sobkowicz getting so much attention.

Their defense is good, not great. I'm baffled they did as well as they did defensively (and offensively) against NDSU. It was very impressive yet anomalous for both teams to almost all of their other games.

Their LB's and front was the best the Cats played all year (except Oregon of course). The secondary was not good and was further exacerbated by losing the best one in the second qtr for targeting.

They seemed to blitz nearly ever play, especially after falling behind. Our false starts exasperated that by taking away some things may have worked either thru play calling (not running ball) or effectiveness. Not sure I will call them best when they gave up 37 to SIU last game of season.