Iowa State football: Final grades for Cyclone coaches and offensive unit
By Brian Spaen
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Nov 3, 2012; Ames, IA, USA: Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Steele Jantz (2) is face-masked by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Corey Nelson (7) during the first quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Ryerson-USA TODAY Sports
Courtney Messingham: D-
No, it doesn’t really matter what’s said about Messingham now that he’s been fired along with the running backs coach. In his defense, he’s been met with criticism on day one of this season, and Cyclone fans and media have been attacking him.
The writing was on the wall when Rhoads still talked about evaluating the offense toward the end of the season, the same thing he said after Iowa State started 0-2. Play calling has been suspect; the Cyclones at times looked conservative and some hurry-up moments were rushed. Sometimes the offense simply didn’t look prepared for the opposition they faced.
A lot of that blame shoulders on the offensive coordinator, but Rhoads has nixed that problem. Now we’ll have to see what the new coordinator does.