Ten Takeaways: Week Zero

For those reading on e-mail: click 'view in browser' to see the full contents of today's post

1. No more conference games in Ireland, please

Iowa State's 24-21 win over Kansas State finished better than it started. It was also ultimate confirmation that it's time to put an end to these week zero conference games across the pond. The majority of the first three quarters were a turnover-riddled affair on a rain-soaked, borderline-unplayable surface. The field may have played a role in the outcome, too. Kansas State's unsuccessful fourth-down attempt late in the game was a borderline call, but wasn't helped at all by yard-markers that were nearly invisible.

Beyond the game itself, ESPN's broadcast was a disaster. They had problems syncing their audio, the first down-line graphic wouldn't appear until mid-play, and they came back from commercial when play had already resumed at least once. I guess it really was week zero for everyone!

It'd be easier to excuse issues with the field or on the broadcast if this were a one-time thing. But this is the fourth-straight year the season's started in Ireland, and it feels like we have the exact same conversation afterwards each time. It's cool that they play over there, but it's less cool when the networks clearly half-ass the presentation, because it's still branded a "week zero" game. This was a major conference matchup with playoff ramifications!

I can't fathom why two programs like Kansas State or Iowa State would trade a key, on-campus conference game with huge implications for something that requires so much red tape. And they both have to play again next Saturday! I do understand why they play these games in Ireland ($), and I like that they do. I just wish they'd either make them non-conference matchups, or actually give a shit when it comes to how they're operated.

Subscribe to 2StripesCPD premium for full weekly recaps, Hot Seat Rankings, and more!

Upgrade to 2StripesCPD Premium

2. Talking about the actual game itself

Iowa State earned this one by beating the Kansas State in key moments. These three plays stood out to me the most.

First, they stopped Avery Johnson on that key fourth down I referenced earlier:

After trading TDs the next two possessions, the Cyclones got the ball with 6:23 left, up 24-21. This third-and-one conversion to tight end Gabe Burkle halfway into the drive continued killing clock, and was the play of the game:

Four plays later, Matt Campbell went for the win on fourth down:

Iowa State was the better team for the majority of the game. This was a deserved win that also serves as a nice early talking point for them in the playoff race, as well as conference positioning. More on what I think in means for Kansas State here in a bit.