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Chat Reel: Dan McCarney
Latest: Tuesday August 15, 2000 05:24 PM
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Dan McCarney and Iowa State were 4-7 a year ago. Aubrey Washington/Allsport |
CNNSI.com chatted with Iowa State coach Dan McCarney on August 15, 2000. A transcript of his chat follows:
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining our chat with Coach McCarney. Welcome Coach!
Dan McCarney: Thank you
From Drywall: How has the offensive playbook been restructured with no Davises in the lineup any longer?
Dan McCarney: Obviously a new backfield is missing two brothers that rushed for over 8000 yards in five seasons so it is a new look in the Cyclone backfield. Ennis Haywood is our starting running back as of today. He is a 214-pound junior running back out of Dallas, Texas, who has had an excellent camp. Our depth at running back is real good, as we speak, and we expect that position to be a strength for us this fall.
From Jamie Fitzgerald in Des Moines, Iowa: Coach McCarney - After heart-breaking late game losses to Texas and K-State last season, how are you preparing your team to win the close games?
Dan McCarney: We've been preparing for this season and trying to learn from our tough lessons and hard lessons that we went through last season, for the past few months. The majority of my team returns and there is a genuine hunger to again put our team in position to win games this year and hopefully finish the deal in the fourth quarter.
From Bob Hartwig in Des Moines, Iowa: Last year the kicking game was somewhat suspect. What is the status of the kicking game this year?
Dan McCarney: Hopefully much improved. We feel like we can turn that phase of our team, which had many weaknesses last year, into a strength in 2000. We have more speed, and more athletes in our 105 ... so we believe our kicking game can improve. Our punters and kickers must be more consistent every week of the season.
From John Latham in Ankeny, Iowa: Depth at quarterback seems to be the team's biggest weakness. How confident are you of Gerrin Scott's abilities? Was his spring game a fluke? Best of luck this year Coach Mac!
Dan McCarney: We feel like Gerrin Scott is off to a real good start in two-a-days (practices). He's stronger, more confident and is making better decisions. Chris Love, a freshman quarterback from Texas has also been a pleasant surprise.
From ankenyClone: Any chance we'll see Tyson Smith or Ja'Mainne Billups on the field this year?
Dan McCarney: Both of them are definitely blue-chip athletes. Came into camp in tremendous physical condition and if their improvement continues, there's a good chance that both of these young men will play this fall.
From Aaron in Chicago, Illinois: Coach, how have you incorporated what you have learned from Hayden Fry and Barry Alvarez to what you are trying to accomplish in Ames?
Dan McCarney: There's many things that I learned from two of the best coaches that ever stood on a sideline in Hayden and Barry:
Consistency every day is more important than greatness once in a while.
Never back down from any challenges and don't hunt for excuses.
Look for a positive in every situation.
From Troy DeJoode in Cedar Falls, Iowa: Over the years, you've improved your ability to stop the run significantly, something that's got to be a key to winning in the Big 12. With 11 defensive starters back, is this the year we see a stifling run defense?
Dan McCarney: We must continue to improve our overall defense as we have each season that I've been here. Rush defense, scoring defense, and forcing more turnovers are the areas we really want to continue improving.
From Drywall: How do you feel about the future of the program with the departure of A.D. Gene Smith?
Dan McCarney: I feel fantastic about the future of the Cyclone football program. Gene Smith is an outstanding administrator who will be missed dearly here at Iowa State. The things we need to be successful in the months and years ahead are in place as we speak. I am sure we will again be able to attract another outstanding athletic director to replace Gene.
From Dave Smith in New York, N.Y.: Coach McCarney, along with your team, do you feel Colorado has a chance to be a sleeper in the North Division?
Dan McCarney: I guess I don't know what the definition of a sleeper is. We definitely feel that we will be improved this fall. I can't imagine anyone putting Colorado in a 'sleeper' category, as they scored over 60 points in their bowl game last December. Colorado again will be one of the top teams in the Big 12 conference.
From CycloneChris: Any of the newcomers besides Ja'Maine and Tyson standing out? And is Lo White cleared and (Tyrone) Tucker back yet?
Dan McCarney: Lorenzo White is definitely practicing with our team and Tyrone Tucker has rejoined the team from a family matter in Miami. It is a little early to tell how many newcomers will help our team on Game Day this fall.
From Jon Bernadt in Overland Park, Kans.: Coach, as an Omaha native, I was impressed with your ability to sign J'maine Billups and other players you have signed from Nebraska. Do you feel your ability to get into some of these top recruits' homes is validation of the fact that your program is really on the right track?
Dan McCarney: We were very proud of the class that we signed last February and there have not been any disappointments based on our practices with them. We have a tremendous University and a football program that is unquestionably on the rise.
From Chris Kohn in Milwaukee, Wisc.: What are the Davis brothers doing now?
Dan McCarney: Troy Davis is still in the process of trying to get into an NFL camp and Darren Davis is playing football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian football league.
From Jason DeHaai in Scottsdale, Ariz.: What kind of impact has Bob Elliott had on your coaching staff and on the team as a whole?
Dan McCarney: He brings 25 years of experience. He brings trust. He brings respect...and he is an inspiration to all of us in the Cyclone football family. I am extremely proud to have him by my side.
From IAHawk20: What do you see as keys to the Iowa-ISU matchup this year? Iowa appears to be a much better team overall than last year. What does ISU need to do to win at Iowa?
Dan McCarney: No secrets will be given out in this interview. >laughs< It will be a great interstate rivalry that will be witnessed by a lot of country. We look forward to our annual game with the Hawkeyes.
From Chad in Chicago, Ill.: Who is the sleeper on the defense this year?
Dan McCarney: I'd say at this time, Justin Eilers has made a big impact on our defense at linebacker. He will be a fun-player for the Cyclone fans to watch this fall.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Coach McCarney. Thanks for joining us and good luck this season.
Dan McCarney: Thanks all!
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