ISU Football: Reaction to Jared Barnett’s Transfer to Illinois State

Living up to expectations at quarterback is similar to being successful as the president of the United States. When everything’s running smooth and there’s even a few surprises along the way, the approval rating is sky high. When things go down, everything is blamed on the president alone. It’s all up to how they handle it.

Despite a mediocre season for Barnett, fans should thank him for the good memories and wish him well at his new ISU. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately for Jared Barnett, as great as things were at the end of last season, a crucial part of Iowa State’s game was missing from then. The running game. Whenever Barnett had a good day throwing, it was set up by the Cyclones’ rushing attack of James White and Jeff Woody. Holes would open up for Barnett, defenses were conflicted on what he would do. It was a key aspect in Iowa State’s biggest win in history.

This season already wasn’t off to a great start with Barnett losing the quarterback battle to Steele Jantz for the second straight year. He finally got his chance in the game against TCU, but the running game struggled with all three players getting hurt at different times in the season. With the running game impacted, it was up to Barnett’s passing game.

That was completely exposed. Most of the time, Barnett had to scramble as the offensive lines didn’t hold up well to the majority of the Big 12’s pass rush defenses. When he finally had time, Barnett didn’t check down, keeping his eyes on one or two receivers. Eventually, Steele Jantz would win his position back.

Now with an uncertain future of who’s going to be the starting quarterback in 2013, Barnett has paved the way for Sam Richardson. He’s elected to transfer to Illinois State. Same abbreviation, same bird mascot, but a chance to play immediately next season.

Either Barnett realized he wasn’t up to the challenge of FBS-level talent or the overwhelming praise of Sam Richardson made him believe that he wouldn’t get the respect of passionate Iowa State fans. It appears that nothing family-related is apart of this transfer.

Regardless of my opinions toward him, it’s too bad to see Barnett go. He would have had a chance to fight and win the quarterback battle had he improved his passing, but speculation is waste at this point. We hope that he succeeds at his new school, and we thank him for being apart of the biggest win in Iowa State history.

Good luck at Illinois State, Jared Barnett.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter.