Iowa State coach Gene Chizik says the Cyclones have no other options for a kicker. Brett Culbertson has struggled this season, making only 8-of-15,including just five-of-12 between 30 and 49 yards. Culbertson also missed a 36 yarder in the first half that would have given the Cyclones a 10-0 lead against Oklahoma.
Chizik joked that he could try to kick, or one of the reporters could, but says realistically, there’s no other option. Chizik says the lack of field goals are part of the Cyclones struggles in the red zone. He says it doesn’t mattter if it’s a field goal or 15 yards out, he says nothing is a gimme. After getting blown out by Texas Cizik was pleased with the way his team responded against the Sooners. He says it was a commercial for what you can do when you play with passion and excitement and execute on gameday.
Chizik says it was an important lesson for his team to learn, as he says the message is no matter who you play, you play every game and every down as if you don’t know if you’ll have another down or game and you can play with anyone.
Iowa State visits Missouri this weekend. The Cyclones shocked the Tigers last season in Dan McCarney’s final game as coach but Chizik says the Tigers will have more than revenge on their mind. He says they’re focused on winning a championship and going to a B.C.S. game, that whatever happened last year is not likely first on their minds.
Quarterback Chase Daniel and the Missouri offense get most of the attention but Chizik says the Tiger defense has been outstanding. Chizik says they are equally as scary on defense as they are on offense. He says holding Texas Tech to 10 points is not easy to do, and he says Missouri is getting better every week on defense.
Chizik says while the Cyclones need to do a better job in the red zone a lack of big plays also hurts their cause. He say everything they do is a methodical drive, and when you do that, the chances of stalling are much higher. Iowa State is 1-7.