Game day is finally here and I can not wait. I am “juiced up” and “cranked up” and “so stinking fired up” just like Coach Chizik. A new era begins at 7:00 PM tonight. How excited are Cyclone fans? Season tickets are at 37,000 and counting. How will the Gene Chizik era be different? Here is a preview:
How will the game day experience be different?
New entrance: No blow up helmet, I hope to see the Cyclones march down the side of the Jacobson building- New music: Jock Jams is gone and is replaced with ??? I am hoping a tornado siren and something electric
- The loudest stadium in the Big 12: It is up to us to make it happen, be prepared to stand and yell the whole game
How will things be different on the playing field? I expect a much more aggressive game plan in all three phases.
How will the offense be different?
Imaginative play calling and a bigger play book – We may not see the same play the entire night- More substitution – How many players will see action? 2-3 QB’s, 2-3 RB’s, 6-7 WR’s, 3-4 TE’s
- Wide open offense – Four and five WR sets, multiple formations and more motion
- Four new starters on the offensive line – The starters are smaller and more athletic, but lack experience
- Less Fullback – The new staff prefers a second tight end to a fullback
- Taking advantage of matchups – McFarland will find a way to get the ball to Blythe, one way or the other
New names to watch on offense: QB Austen Arnaud, QB Phillip Bates, RB Alexander Robinson, RB JJ Bass, TE Derrick Catlett, WR Marquis Hamilton, WR Wallace Franklin, RT Ben Lamaak, C Brandon Johnson, LTDoug Dedrick
How will the defense be different?
More aggressive – Less bend don’t break, more attacking and blitzing- Concentration on fundamentals – Better footwork, technique and tackling
- Defensive Line rotation – Expect 7 or 8 guys to play
- Press coverage – The fans will finally get what they want CB’s harassing WR’s, no ten yard cushion
- Physical and fast – the 2007 Cyclones are stronger and quicker
New names to watch on defense: MLB Jesse Smith, MLB Fred Garrin, SLB Michael Bibbs, DE Kurtis Taylor, DE Christopher Lyle, CB Allen Bell, CB Zac Sandvig, CB Devin McDowell, S James Smith
How will the special teams be different?
More kickoff returns: Teams will be kicking off from the 30 this year = fewer touchbacks and more returns- Punt returns: Former Valley RB Zac Sandvig should provide excitement
- Multiple kick returners: Several players could be tried at KR
New name to watch on special teams: PR Zac Sandvig
