Q&A With Clones Chronicles

Since we play Iowa State Saturday, I did a short question and answer session with Mark Kieffer, manager of the excellent SB Nation Iowa State blog, Clone Chronices. My questions and Mark's answers are listed below. To see Mark's questions and my answers, go pay him a visit.

1. Austin Arnaud and Alexander Robinson sat out the win over Nebraska in Lincoln with injuries. Are either expected to play Saturday, and how much should we see them play?

I would expect to see Alexander Robinson start. The only way he doesn't play on every down is if he tweaks his injury. He's been practicing all week. With Arnaud it's a little bit different, in that I think he's been practicing some, but it's questionable if he'll play. He injured his throwing hand, so obviously if he has issues gripping the ball, he's not going to be effective.... If I had to guess, I'd think Alexander Robinson would start at RB and Jerome Tiller will start at QB, but it will probably be a gametime decision.

Regarding the health of the team, news broke that Iowa State's starting center, Reggie Stephens, is undergoing an appendectomy. It's a huge loss because he's our best OL, and someone who's put up an All-Big 12 type of season.

2. We are a team that likes to go no-huddle, run a lot of plays, and move the ball through the air. Looking at the teams you have already played this season, the team that most closely resembles what we do offensively might be Kansas, which your defense gave up 41 points to. After giving up 442 passing yards to Kansas, are you worried about your secondary playing a similar type offense in this game?

It's kind of tricky. I'd say I'm more concerned with the D-Line than the secondary to be honest. I think most of our secondary are some pretty good players. The problem with the game against Kansas (and other teams) is the lack of ability to get a pass rush with the front four. There have been times where I felt like they've held the secondary out to dry. With a good QB having all day to find the open guy, it makes the secondary look bad. If the D-Line can put pressure on the QB, I think the ISU secondary looks better. In short, am I worried about giving up a lot of passing yards? Until the D-Line gets better, absolutely.

3. I'm sure the upset win over Nebraska has changed expectations a bit in Ames, allowing people to dream about what might be possible this season. What do you think is a realistic expectation for how Iowa State will finish this year? Bowl game? Division championship?

 I think most ISU fans feel like they will get to a bowl game. Most Iowa State fans are optimistic about Colorado at home, getting them 6-6. Now obviously 6-6 doesn't guarentee anything, but I think there's a good deal of ISU fans that assume if this team got to 6-6, they would get an invite. With the way Iowa State has played close to teams (other than Iowa), the fans think that ISU has a shot in every game they play. As far as winning the North, I don't think most fans expect that. Losing those games to K-State and Kansas hurt ISU's chances if it comes to a tiebreaker, and I don't think any fan is thinking they will win it outright.... There are some ISU fans playing the "what-if" game and talk about "how they could be 4-0 right now in the conference", but most fans are moving past that. To be honest, to have 5 wins this season after coming off a 3 win and a 2 win season the previous two years, most fans are ecstatic. They only way they'd be dissapointed at this point is if ISU didn't get bowl eligible.

4. How much should we expect to see Jerome Tiller and Jeremiah Schwartz in this game?

I wouldn't be surprised if Jerome Tiller started. Even if Arnaud did try to give it a go, he may have a short hook if the injury is still bothering him. If Arnaud finds a way to play and is looking sharp, he's in the whole game. He's the leader of the team, and the guy without a question.

With Jeremiah Schwartz, it's more dicey. Alexander Robinson has been taking the carries and playing on almost every down when healthy. If that's the case, Schwartz may get 5 carries or so, just to give Robinson a rest. Iowa State hasn't been rotating their backs like you see some teams go. They pretty much go with whoever is starting for the most part.

5. What is your score prediction for the game?

I'll pick A&M to win 31-21. I think ISU gets going in the ground game, and is able to eat clock, limiting the points scored by A&M. This defense is playing with more confidence than ever, and they will find a way to get a takeaway or two. I just think that coming off an emotional win, the uncertainty at QB, combined with missing their best OL, and the fact this team has been fighting the flu and other nagging injuries the previous week, and I think a letdown is in order.