Iowa State coach Dan McCarney says the Cyclones must eliminate mistakes if they want to regain their winning ways. I-S-U had two costly turnovers in Saturday’s loss to Baylor, including a fumble by running back Greg Coleman as he was trying to reach for the endzone. McCarney says they have six turnovers in the red zone in five games and he says that’s “just unacceptable, unexcusable.” McCarney says that’s something they have to get corrected real fast.
McCarney says the Cyclone defense will have a tough chore against Mizzou, as he says they’re putting up an unbelievable amount of points and yards. McCarney says he doesn’t know if he’s seen a tougher quarterback than the Tigers Brad Smith. Missouri is 3-2 after a victory over Oklahoma State and standout Smith leads an offense that is third in the Big-12 in scoring at just under 38 points per game.
Tiger coach Gary Pinkel says Smith has become a better passer. He says Smith “is a very gifted athlete” and is throwing the ball better than he’s ever throw it before and has really matured in that area. But Pinkel says the strength of Smith’s game remains his ability to run. He says Smith has the gift to run and they’re trying to utilize it.
The Cyclones’ running game has struggled but Pinkel says with Bret Meyer’s ability to throw makes ISU tough to defend. He says last year Meyer gave them fits and he says with their great receivers it makes it tough.