Paul Rhoads
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads says he understands the frustrations of Cyclones fans as the program is suffering a fifth straight losing season. ISU is 2-7 overall and still searching for its first Big 12 victory heading into Saturday’s game against Texas Tech. “I’m frustrated as hell too, so is everybody in this building, coaches, players, everybody that works 365 days a year to provide a product that our fans can be excited about and proud of,” Rhoads says.
Rhoads says there’s a core group of Cyclones that always have been as loyal as anyone and as witnessed by the last game, will show their frustration by not attending the games. “I understand that, they want a winner and they want to support a winner, and I want to give them one and end that frustration for all of us,” Rhoads says.
Quarterback Sam Richardson is expected to return against Texas Tech. He missed the loss at Kansas with an injured shoulder. Rhoads says Richardson looked good in practice and was able to do everything they asked of him.
Rhoads admits the Cyclones lack confidence right now and the only way to get it back is to succeed on the field. “You play your way into that confidence a little bit…and we’re capably of doing that,”Rhoads says.
Despite the 2-7 record Rhoads does not believe it will be difficult to keep the players motivated. He says they have hopefully had their lull, and he says if the practices are any indication, they are ready to take on Texas Tech.
Texas Tech is 3-7 overall and 1-6 in the Big 12