The Professor

Just about everytime junior point guard Bryan Petersen touches the basketball, you can hear a small chant of Iowa State students yelling, "the professor," in reference to the And One basketball player. Maybe it is a justified nickname for the junior college transfer who was known as "pistol Petey," in high school. In his last six games, Petersen has 29 assists and just one turnover. Following the Iowa game, he went on a three game stretch without any turnovers, including a 13 point, 7 assist performance against Texas Southern.
"I think it's getting more compfortable and experience," Petersen said following the game. "I've been through two college basketball seasons so I kind of know what to expect a little bit."
Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott is also expecting him to teach a few of the younger guys like Diante Garrett and Cameron Lee some things. Now, that's a professor.

Lucca not freed

Thank goodness those, "free Lucca," chants aren't getting old. Looks like we're going to be hearing them for the rest of the season. Iowa State officials confirmed today that the freshman guard would have to sit out the entire 2007-08 season for his participation on a team in Germany. Throughout the ordeal, Staiger has told me on several occasions that he was not paid for his services. Now that he's out for the entire season, he's got to be looking to next season, and for many fans, those expectations are pretty high. His senior year, Staiger averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. That stat that I look at is how many fans have rallied behind the freshman. How many kids have come up to him during games asking for autographs? How many posts by angry fans have been made fighting for him to get back on the court? Those are the expectations he'll have to live up to and if he doesn't, he may hear different chants next year.

Mike Taylor update

Former Iowa State guard Mike Taylor’s career in the NBA’s Developmental League lasted about as long as his 2007-08 season with Cyclones.
Taylor, who was dismissed from the team during the summer for not meeting coach Greg McDermott’s expectations, was signed by the Idaho Stampede on December 6. Tonight, Stempede officials confirmed that Taylor was cut by the team after a short stint.
Now, he’s about as easy to find as Waldo.

Texas Southern vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

Never mind. Bryan Petersen jump in bounded a pass via alley up to Craig Brackins and has just turned into the most exciting part of the game.
Iowa State 63, Texas Southern 40.

Texas Southern vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

And for the record, the "free Lucca," chants never get old. The image of him in street clothes during games does though.
Iowa State 58, Texas Southern 40

Texas Southern vs. Iowa State, 2nd-half

It's 56-32 Iowa State with 15:00 to play in the game. The most exciting thing, watching Staiger sign autographs for a few fans. I wonder if he signs them, "free Lucca Stagier."

Texas Southern vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

We have a Harrison Barnes sighting. The Ames native is sitting with freshman guard Lucca Staiger in the stands by the bench.

Texas Southern vs. Iowa State, 1st half

Most of the talk this week has been about how senior Jiri Hubalek has been in coach Greg McDermott’s doghouse. The only house he’s in is his own. The center has a double-double just in the first half and ended the half with 11 rebounds and 15 points. That’ll give Cyclone fans something to talk about.

In need of some good news

Cyclones’ athletic director Jamie Pollard, coach Greg McDermott, and freshman Lucca Staiger have a conference call scheduled for Tuesday with the NCAA. It will be an opportunity for Staiger to plead his case with someone actually listening. If you’re Staiger, what can you possibly tell them? He’s repeatedly said he did not accept any money for his participation on the German team. With the loses of freshman Marcus Brister and Clayton Vette, ISU is in desperate need of some good news.

Vette leaving

ISU officials just confirmed that freshman forward Clayton Vette is leaving the team for personal reasons. How much more can this team take?

It's about time

For the first time this season, freshman guard Lucca Staiger will be presenting his case, to an actual person. Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott said during his radio show last night that Staiger, athletic director Jamie Pollard, and himself would have a teleconfernce call with the NCAA on December 18th to present their case. I've talked with Staiger throughout the season and the freshman has maintained that while other players on his team were paid for their participation, he was not. At least this time, he'll have someone else to talk to about it.

Iowa vs. Iowa State, wrestling

Maybe it’s the fact that both basketball teams are in the midst of rebuilding years, but yesterday’s men’s basketball game between Iowa and Iowa State was not sold out. Today, the Cyclones host the Hawkeyes in wrestling and officials don’t expect there to be an empty seat in the house. Maybe it’s David vs. David with No. 1 facing off against No. 2. Regardless, if you’re a wrestling fan, nothing but good things can come out of today’s meet.

Some big questions

Where has Clayton Vette gone? The freshman from Waverly-Shell Rock was expected to see some playing time after injuries to Rahshon Clark and Jiri Hubalek, along with the announcement that guard Lucca Staiger would be missing the 2007-08 season. He’s averaging 6.2 minutes per game, didn’t make the trip to Oregon State, and sat out of the Iowa game. Is he heading down the same road as Marcus Brister? Which brings up an even bigger question, how many more hits can this team’s roster take?

Iowa vs. Iowa State, gameday

I called the Iowa State ticket off today. Tickets are still available for the Iowa vs. Iowa State men’s basketball game. During the football season, I did a story after the Northern Iowa game about whether or not fans were going to keep coming to games. Looks like maybe I should be doing the same for basketball. Here is the key question most fans are probably asking themselves when deciding to come to games; am I going to see Wesley Johnson playing? Do I want to see a team that is averaging 57 points per game? What do you want to see? Are you calling the ticket office today too?

Here come the Hawks

No guarantees this time, just facts. During Wednesday’s press conference, I asked forward Rahshon Clark what a win against Iowa would do to the team confidence.
“It’ll boost our confidence up a little bit,” said Clark who guaranteed a win earlier in the season against Minnesota.
At this point in time, you’d have to think a Hawkeye win would be huge for the team morale. The Cyclones are coming off instate losses to Northern Iowa and Drake. They’re trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak to non-conference teams at home since the 1975-76 season. They’ve been looking for win No. 400 at Hilton Coliseum for over two weeks now and who better to have it against then the Hawkeyes. Look at what a win against Iowa did for the football team. Had it not been for a blocked field goal and a special team’s meltdown in the fourth quarter, they leave Toledo with a win. No matter how you look at it, a win against Iowa would be big. Now, that’s a guarantee.

One man's ballot

I don’t have a vote in for the Heisman, but here’s my pick. I’ve watched plenty of Florida games and there’s no reason why you can’t be impressed with the consistency of Gator’s quarterback Tim Tebow. The sophomore completed 217-of-317 passes for 3,132 yards 29 touchdowns. More impressive, look at the schedule he dealt with.
-Western Kentucky
-Troy
-Tennessee
-Mississippi
-Auburn
-LSU
-Kentucky
-Georgia
-Vanderbilt
-South Carolina
-Florida Atlantic
-Florida State
I’ve had finals easier than this. You have to be impressed with Missouri’s Chase Daniels and Kansas’ Todd Reesing, but Tebow has my vote, even ahead of Darren McFadden. Then again, I don’t have one.

Getting back on that horse

Word out of the Northern Illinois camp is that former Cyclones’ coach Dan McCarney has interviewed for the coaching vacancy there. Good fit? Bad fit? You can’t blame the guy for wanting to get right back on the horse. I spent the past week working on a 150th anniversary of Iowa State story on football. Every source I talked to brought me back to two names; Jack Trice and Dan McCarney. If McCarney can do the things to Northern Illinois he did at Iowa State, they’ll probably name a stadium after him too.

Reporting the rumor mill

Did you happen to catch Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott's interview on Jon Miller's show? The second year coach said that due to a number of isssues, his second season was like starting over again.
Some of those issues:
-The dismissal of Mike Taylor during the off-season.
-Injuries to Wesley Johnson, Jiri Hubalek, and Rahshon Clark.
-Lucca Staiger being ruled ineligible.
Now, there are rumors floating around that McDermott might be seeking a medical redshirt for Johnson who has spent his first two games back, hobbling up and down the court. It's just speculation at this point but how big of a blow would it to not have Johnson for the entire season? Which of these issues bothers you the most?

Interesting side not

Northern Iowa lost tonight but had the Panthers won, it would have created an interesting situation. If UNI had managed to continue their run, it would have put the Cyclones in a position to have played possibly two national championship teams in one season, considering the possibility that Missouri could find their way into the BCS national championship. If that doesn't speak volumes of a tough schedule, I don't know what does?

The good and the bad

Worried about the future of Cyclone football? Talking with Iowa State officials, coach Gene Chizik didn’t hesitate to hit the road. After completing his first season with ISU, the Cyclones’ coach has been out on recruiting trips for the week and isn’t expected back until Friday.
***
My colleagues and I in the media could see this coming. Today, the NCAA ruled that freshman guard Lucca Staiger would not be eligible for the 2007-08 season, losing the Cyclones’ appeal. When I first heard about his situation, I figured that there might be a reduction in his suspension. But then the hits started coming for the Cyclones. Wesley Johnson sat out the first three games with a bad foot. Freshman guard Marcus Brister left the team for personal reasons. The NCAA offices had to be evacuated when a fire struck the building while officials were in the process of reviewing Staiger’s case. When I saw freshman Craig Brackins go down in the fourth quarter of the Minnesota game, I thought that was the last straw. Now, it’s beginning to look like there are a lot of straws left in a pretty big hat.

Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State, 1st quarter

A pair of Johnson three-pointers and ISU is up 10-4.

Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State

Looking for motivation? Wesley Johnson is starting......

Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State-pre-game

It's a packed house, literally. Just about every media outlet in Iowa has come out of the woodwork for this one. Word is Wesley Johnson will be coming off the bench tonight. How big of a difference do you think it will make?

He's back

Coach Greg McDermott wants to take his time bringing back sophomore guard Wesley Johnson. The first day of that will come tomorrow when the Cyclones host Northern Iowa. Johnson, whose been sidelined with a bruised bone, will come off the bench for ISU. The big question is, how productive can he be? He's hasn't seen competition since the preseason and has sat out a lot of practice. Cyclone players seem excited about just having him back in general. How excited are you? Should we be taking our time welcoming him back?
I'll be blogging throughout the game tomorrow night at Hilton Colliseum so check it out.

Minnesota vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

Looks like a knee. He was carried off by coaches to the locker room and we probably won't see him the rest of the game. Did Iowa State's comeback hopes die with him? It's going to be a close one. Check back on www.iowastatedaily.com for a recap of the game and for my interview with Carlos Boozer.

Minnesota vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

You could hear a penny drop right now. Brackins is down on the floor hurt......

Minnesota vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

The Cyclones must be a second half team. They go on a 7-0 run to take a 37-33 lead over Minnesota. After a couple of turnovers, it's tied again. Rahshon Clark looks like he's ready to deliver on the guaranteed win he promised Monday. At the half he had 7 points and has been on the missing end of several alleyup attempts.
Minnesota 42, Iowa State 42.

Minnesota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

Forget about NBA star Carlos Boozer who is in town watching the game, the best basketball player in Hilton Coliseum might be Brackins. He's 5-of-7 shooting with one rebound and 11 points.
Minnesot 25, Iowa State 20

Minnesota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

My next question is where did this kid Spencer Tollackson come from? The center for Minnesota has 8 points already.
Minnesota 15, Iowa State 16

Minnesota vs. Iowa State-1st half

What can't freshman Craig Brakins do? He's got the Cyclones' first five points on a three-pointer and a jumper.

Minnesota vs. Iowa State, pre-game

Football is over so now it’s on to basketball. I couldn’t’ have asked for a better welcoming party. Cyclone alley is closed and is full of Gopher fans. I’ve seen less Minnesota fans at a Twins game than this. Coach Greg McDermott said Monday that he’s still waiting on Wesley Johnson to get healthy. The NCAA still hasn’t decided on the fate of Lucca Staiger either. It should be an interesting matchup before the Cyclones open their Big 12 schedule. I’ll be blogging throughout the game.

Catching history

If there is one thing I’ve learned in college, three things sell newspapers, controversy, sex, and history. The latter of the three happened Saturday night as I watched the Kansas football team reach the 11-0 mark for the first time in school history. The coolest part of Saturday night was after the game as me and a number of other reporters gathered near the Cyclone locker room to do post-game interviews. Standing on the sidelines, we watched as the entire Iowa State team walked off the field to the tunes of the theme song from the movie Rudy. Playing on the jumbo screen was highlights from every Jayhawk win, including their 45-7 victory over ISU Saturday. Could they run the table and finish off a perfect season? It’ll be tough. They face a tough Missouri team next week and a former national champion in Texas the following week for the Big 12 championship game.
A reporter from Kansas was sitting two seats down from me throughout the game. Watching the Jayhawks take the field Saturday, he said Memorial Stadium was about as full as he’d ever seen it. Imagine what it’d be next year if they did finish the season undefeated. To top it off, there wasn’t any controversy or sex to stop the process.
Maybe that’s just in Iowa City these days.

Iowa State at Kansas, 4th quarter

It’s tough watching it end this way for Blythe and Meyer. You can’t help but wish last week was their final game. At least they got out of Jack Trice Stadium on a high note. The best news for Cyclone fans today? Iowa is losing to Western Michigan. I’ve got to head down to start doing interviews. Check www.iowastatedaily.com for a recap of the game.
Iowa State 7, Kansas 36.

Iowa State at Kansas, 3rd quarter

Talk about pouring salt on an already dirty wound. Kansas placekicker Anthony Webb connected on a 37-yard field goal attempt. I’ve seen more flags on the field today than on Memorial Day. Iowa State helped guide the Jayhawk offense with a late hit on Reesing.
Iowa State 7, Kansas 31.

Iowa State at Kansas, 3rd quarter

Down 28-7, Chizik decided it was time to get Arnaud some more work. The redshirt freshman is back and completed an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Marquis Hamilton. Besides the interception, he’s looked sharp. Why not give him the ropes and let him run with it?
Iowa State 7, Kansas 28.

Iowa State at Kansas, half-time

Cyclones’ coach Gene Chizik talked about seeing impressive quarterbacks every week of their Big 12 schedule. They might have run into their best opponent this week. Forget about Chase Daniel of Missouri or Colt McCoy of Texas. Reesing has completed 17-of-18 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. More amazing than that, where has Robinson gone? The sophomore Cyclone running back has rushed for only 16-yards in the first half.
Iowa State 7, Kansas 28.

Iowa State at Kansas, 3rd quarter

A few of the reporters in the press box were asking one of the most interesting questions today. Why hasn’t Reesing been mentioned in the Heisman competition. If he isn’t today, the sophomore should send in his highlight tape of today’s first half. He’s completed 17-of-18 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. If he does that in the second half, I’ll strike a Heisman pose for him in the press box.
Iowa State 7, Kansas 28

Iowa State at Kansas, 2nd quarter

Welcome to Lawrence Alexander Robinson. Robinson, who rushed for less than 10-yards through the first quarter and a half, just put the finishing touches on the Cyclones first scoring drive of the day with a six-yard run. Want to know the difference between Iowa State and Kansas? The Cyclones’ first scoring drive of the day took 4:41. It’s taken Kansas about half that.
Iowa State 7, Kansas 21.

Iowa State at Kansas, 2nd quarter

It’s official. Reesing cannot be stopped. Another touchdown, with a 51-yard pass to wide receiver Marcus Henry. What looked like stop, turned into another addition to their lead. Reesing, who was under heavy pressure from Iowa State defenders, looped a pass through the defense. 51-yards later Kansas is up 21-0.
Iowa State 0, Kansas 21.

Iowa State at Kansas, 1st quarter

Reesing looks about as comfortable as a five year old watching cartoons on a Saturday afternoon. The sophomore just completed a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Dexton Fields. He’s completed 10-of-11 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. It could be a long afternoon for the Iowa State secondary which has spent the majority of the first quarter on the field. Backup quarterback Austen Arnaud just took the field. Now might be as good of time as any to get the backup some more snaps.
Iowa State 0, Kansas 14

Iowa State at Kansas, 1st quarter

I guess we know why Kansas ranks No. 2 in the nation. The Jayhawks just marched 82 yards downfield for their first touchdown of the day. Quarterback Todd Reesing converted a fourth and four attempt with a 7-yard run. If that wasn’t hard enough for Cyclone fans to take in, it only took Kansas 4:42 to get into the end zone. Reesing has completed 6-of-6 passes for 76 yards.
Iowa State 0, Kansas 7.

Iowa State at Kansas, 1st quarter

How about that to the start of the game? Iowa State stops the No. 2 scoring offense in the nation with a three and out on their first series. They got some help on a holding call. They'll need more help to pull the biggest in college football this year.

Iowa State at Kansas-pre-game

Probably the most forgotten thing about today’s game? Todd Blythe and Bret Meyer will be playing their last games as Cyclones. We spent most of the previous week focusing on their final games at Jack Trice Stadium but today will be the last time we see them both take the field in college. The duo has connected on 28 touchdown passes together over the last four years. Watching them orchestrate a 21 point comeback last week was near the top of my all-time favorite moments with the two. What are yours?
***
A hot topic this week was about whether or not Kansas would be overlooking the Cyclones. Walking through the press box, I passed by a number of televisions that coaches, broadcasters, and media relations personell use. Every television was set on the Kansas State vs. Missouri game? Coincidence? Or is there nothing else to watch?

First things first

Hoping Kansas is overlooking the Cyclones for their Saturday game in Lawrence? Forget the players, most of the media seems focused on the Jayhawks game with Missouri the week after. I participated in several teleconference calls with Kansas coach Mark Mangino and with the excpetion of me and two over reporters, most of the questions directed at the fifth year coach were about running the table, finishing the season at the top of the BCS standings, and where he thinks they deserve to be.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, post-game.

I think sophomore defensive end Allen Bell summed up the end of today’s game perfectly.
“It was crazy, because I didn’t know what was happening,” Bell said.
What was happening was fans watched Colorado kicker Kevin Eberhart drill a pair of field goals from 50 and 55 yards to end the game. Both were brought back and the Cyclones held on for a 31-28 victory.
That’s two in a row for the Cyclones. During the season, Alvin Bowen told me college football is all about momentum. You either have it or you don’t. Iowa State has it now. But can they carry it over for one more week against an undefeated Kansas team?

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 4th quarter

More momentum. Colorado kicker Kevin Eberhart just missed a 43 goal attempt. Eight minutes remaining, it’s far from over but as Cyclone fans, are you waiting for something bad to happen or did last week in that? I’m heading down to Jacobson in a few to do interviews. Check Chris’ recap of the story on www.iowastatedaily.com.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 4th quarter

It really is senior day. Bret Culbertson just nailed a field goal to put the Cyclones ahead 24-21. We’re only waiting on an Alvin Bowen interception now.
Colorado 21, Iowa State 24.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 4th quarter

Talk about a change in momentum. For the entire first half the Cyclones couldn’t do anything right. Now, everything is going their way. They get a pass interference call and on fourth and five on the 31 yard line and now are 20 yards away from taking the lead. Can they keep it up?
Colorado 21, Iowa State 21.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 3rd quarter

And again. Blythe to Meyer 55 yard touchdown pass. The game is tied and Iowa State has all the momentum.
Colorado 21, Iowa State 21.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 3rd quarter

For three and a half years it’s been Blythe and Meyer. Now, they’ve done it one more time. The seniors hooked up for a 12 yard touchdown pass with 8:31 remaining the third quarter to bring the Cyclones to within seven. Robinson is running hard, Meyer is looking better and even Chizik is more excited. After getting flagged with a sideline warning with Chizik yelling at referees, ISU marched down field for their second touchdown of the afternoon.
Colorado 21, Iowa State 14.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 3rd quarter

Typically the first possession of the second half dictates how the rest of the game will go. If that’s the case, this half should be much more interesting. Colorado Dan Hawkins elected to go for it fourth and one and came up short. The Cyclones took over at the 44 yard line and marched down the field on the back of Robinson. Robinson who ran for rushes of 5, 25, and 13 yards, bounced off Buffalo defenders to get the Cyclones into the end zone for the first time today. They also have some momentum for the first time. A Colorado stop would really help.
Colorado 21, Iowa State 7.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, half time

Want to know how the first half of today’s game is going? Take a look at the half-time stats. The Buffaloes have five more first downs, rushed for 66 more yards, passed for 85 more and have forced one Cyclone interception. Maybe it’s the cold temperatures but Meyer looks a little rattled right now. The senior has completed just 2-of-5 passes for only nine yards. Chizik has always talked about going with the hot hand at running back and he said he’ll go whoever gives him the best chance to win at quarterback. Right now is that Arnaud? The redshirt freshman has completed 4-of-8 passes for 40 yards but had passes dropped by Blythe and R.J. Sumrall. I know there’s people reading so who do you want to see at quarterback right now? Meyer the senior on his last day at Jack Trice Stadium or Arnaud?
Colorado 21, Iowa State 0.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 2nd quarter

Talk about a last second collapse before half-time. Talking to sports editor Chris Conetzkey, we thought back about how many times Iowa State has had late collapses. Add another in the second quarter of today. Colorado has scored twice on only eight plays to take a 21-0 lead. Buffaloes quarterback Cody Hawkins rolled out and found tight end Riar Gree who broke a pair of tackles for a 28 yard touchdown. The end of the first half today is looking at lot like the end of the Toledo game.
Colorado 21, Iowa State 0.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 2nd quarter

He’s back. Arnaud gets his first series of the game, completing a 26 yard pass to Marquis Hamilton and setting up a 47 yard field goal attempt by Bret Culbertson. Once again, mistakes are killing the Cyclones. Culbertson’s kick was wide left and ISU is still waiting to get on the board. Meanwhile, Colorado running back Hugh Sanders is plowing through the Cyclones defense.
Colorado 7, Iowa State 0.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 2nd quarter

What propelled Iowa State a week ago is killing them so far today, mistakes. Meyer missed Blythe on a wide open pass early in the first quarter. First it was underthrown and then Blythe dropped it. Smith’s pass interference didn’t help either. Now, after another scoring drive stalled, punter Mike Brandtner set one up perfect near the end zone but Iowa State defenders failed to capitalize on the nice kick before it rolled into the end zone. Hawkins seems to be settling in without any tornado sirens squeaking around the town.
Colorado 7, Iowa State 0.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 1st quarter

Talk about getting some look. Colorado wide receiver Dusty Sprague took a Buffalo reverse 35 yards into the end zone for a touchdown. The play was brought back after quarterback Cody Hawkins was called for an illegal block bringing Colorado all the way back to the 48 yard line. The Cyclones will need more help though. Most of that came back after a James Smith pass inference. Where’s the offense? Alexander Robinson has rushed for some tough yards but both Cyclone drives have stalled with little movement.
Colorado 0, Iowa State 0.

Colorado vs. Iowa State, 1st quarter

It may not be the perfect ending to his career, but senior quarterback Bret Meyer had plenty of support. The four year starter was greeted with the loudest cheers and a standing ovation when he came out on the field before the game.
Offensively, the Cyclones’ first drive of the game stalled at the 48 yard line. Ahtyba Rubin just came up with a big block to give ISU the ball back.
Colorado 0, Iowa State 0.

Colorado vs. Iowa State pregame.

Don’t tell Todd Blythe this game doesn’t matter. The four year starter who’s preparing for his final game at Jack Trice Stadium has been warming up on the field running routes and catching passes. What stood out was during one of his last runs. The senior wide receiver caught a pass from redshirt freshman Austen Arnaud near a group of Colorado players and had some words with the opposing team. Speaking of Arnaud, Chizik said during the week he’d like the get the backup as many snaps as last week against Kansas State if not more. Despite it being senior day, he appears to be holding true to his word as Arnaud has been taking snaps during windup alongside senior quarterback Bret Meyer.

Plenty to play for

After tomorrow, Cyclone fans will have to hit the road if they ever want to see Bret Meyer throw a touchdown pass to Todd Blythe, Bret Culbertson kick a field goal or Alvin Bowen make a tackle. Iowa State is favored to win Saturday’s matchup with Colorado by four and a half points. Sitting at a 5-5 mark, the Buffaloes are knocking on the door of a ball game. A large crowd at Jack Trice Stadium could mean the Cyclones will average 50,000 fans for the football season. There’s plenty to be played for on Saturday.
Talking with most of the seniors this week, I asked all of them what their favorite moments were at Jack Trice Stadium. Most of them varied but here are a few of mine from this senior class:
1.) Watching Iowa State upset then undefeated Iowa two years and knocking quarterback Drew Tate out of game.
2.) Seeing Cyclone fans hang from the posts after celebrating Iowa State’s 30-16 victory over Colorado two years ago. The game was delayed nearly 40 minutes while tornado funnels swirled around the stadium.
3.) Watching Iowa State fans carry off kicker Bret Culbertson after he nailed a field goal with one second remaining to beat Iowa for coach Chizik’s first victory with the Cyclones.
4.) Shawn Moorehead sacking Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel for the last play of the 2006 season and close out Dan McCarney’s coaching career at ISU.

I’ll be blogging from the press box most of the game Saturday so check back to see what’s going on.

Nearing the end

The past week I’ve spent the majority of my time talking to seniors and coach Gene Chizik about the Cyclones’ final home game on Saturday. Most of the questions have ranged from favorite memories at Jack Trice Stadium to what are their plans after their careers at Iowa State are finished. For the past four years, the talk has been about Todd Blythe and going to the NFL. Just about every reporter in the state has talked to him about it and while Blythe has said he’s focusing on the remaining two games of the season, you can tell he’s already looking at where he’s moving after Ames. Probably the most interesting of all the guys is Bret Meyer. Meyer, who ranks near the top of every offensive category for quarterbacks in school history, isn’t leaving on the best of notes. He’s spent the season learning a new system, fighting for his job while fans want to take it from him, and share snaps with redshirt freshman Austen Aranud. I sat down with him for awhile on Sunday and I asked the question, where do you go from here? “I want to play at the next level and I’m going to work as hard as I can in the months following the season to put myself in a position to have a chance,” Meyer responded. And if the NFL doesn’t come calling? “If it doesn’t work out I’ve prepared myself to where I can go get a job and won’t have a problem with that either,” he said. I wasn’t a bit surprised by his answer. Meyer is a guy that came out and answered questions after every loss this season. He’s a guy that seemed to accept his mentoring role over Arnaud. He’s a guy everyone seems to think, including Chizik and former coach Dan McCarney, will land on his feet if a pro football career doesn’t work. And from the time I’ve spent around him this year, I can see why.

Now that's cool

Talk about a cool moment Monday. After coach Gene Chizik’s weekly Monday press conference, the first year football coach was greeted off to the side by Cyclone’s wrestling coach Cael Sanderson. Sanderson, who went undefeated in his collegiate career, shook hands with the Chizik and congratulated him on Saturday’s win over Kansas State. The two spoke for a minute after that. You have to wonder what they talked about. Congratulate each other on national championships? Maybe they’re both excited about the direction each of their programs is going. Chizik’s team is coming off their second win of the season while Sanderson, who took over a deflating wrestling team, has his team ranked 2nd in the nation for the start of the season. If they both keep going forward, there could be some more cool moments together in the future.

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, 4th Quarter

How about something good happening? Arnaud comes back in for another series, probably the most important one of his career, guides the Cyclones down the field to help setup a 25-yard Bret Culbertson field goal attempt. He didn’t look too bad either. With the exception of several misguided runs, the redshirt freshman looked accurate and comfortable in the pocket. With less than six minutes remaining, it’s going to take something really bad to happen for the Wildcats to come back in this one. I’ve got to start heading down to Jacobson to get ready for interviews so check out www.iowastatedaily.com for a recap.

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, 3rd Quarter

Chizik talked about how his team was waiting for bad things to happen against Missouri. They’re happening again. Wildcat running back James Johnson just rushed for a 5-yard touchdown to bring Kansas State to within eight with less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Is there more to come?

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, 3rd Quarter

Probably the most important play of the second half was the Cyclones’ first possession on offense. Hoping to carry the momentum of the first half, Meyer threw an interception and stopped Iowa State’s first scoring drive. We just got our second look at Arnaud during the game. Not as sharp, but not much help from the running game either. With less than seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, we might get another look at him to see how he handles some late situation play. It’s something Petersen said he wanted to give to the redshirt freshman quarterback.
Kansas State 10, Iowa State 21.

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, half-time

With the exception of the Iowa game, this game could be the best played half of the Cyclones’ year. They are doing a lot of the little things, forcing turnovers, making sure they don’t turn it over, finishing off drives in the red zone and more importantly keeping the Wildcats offense off the field. Kansas State has held the ball for 12:26 compared to Iowa State’s 17:34. Both quarterbacks for the Cyclones have looked sharp. Meyer has completed 8-of-10 passes for 78 yards and one touchdown. Arnaud came in for one possession, completed 2-of-2 passes for 60 yards and ran for 23 more yards. Most of us in the media wondered how long Alexander Robinson would stay in at running back, even after his 149 yard rushing game at Missouri. So far, we haven’t seen any of Jason Scales or J.J. Bass. Robinson has carried the ball 17 times for 39 hard fought yards. There’s still another half to play. During the week coach Gene Chizik talked about how he thought many of his players were waiting for something bad to happen. With a 21-20 lead at the half, will something bad happen?

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, 2nd Quarter

Whether it’s Arnaud or Meyer, the offense seems to be clicking on all cylinders. Both quarterbacks combined to complete their first eight passes, Robinson has rushed for two touchdowns, and Blythe has caught a 40-yard pass from Meyer. Can the Cyclones carry the momentum? Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman completed his first five passes of the day but has cooled off since. ISU has their biggest lead of the year with less than seven minutes remaining.
Kansas State 3, Iowa State 31.

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, 1st Quarter

I spent some time this week talking with quarterbacks coach Tony Petersen. He gave every indication to me that backup Austen Arnaud was going to play. The only thing he didn’t do was put on the jersey and send him out there. Now, they have. Arnaud is in the game and just finished off a 90 yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown handoff to Alexander Robinson. So far he looks calm, comfortable, and relaxed. Will we see more of him?
Kansas State 0, Iowa State 14.

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, 1st Quarter

Good time for firsts. The Cyclone’s score on their first opening drive of the season after recovering a kickoff return fumble by the Wildcats. After strong runs by Alexander Robinson and Bret Meyer, the senior quarterback finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown to Derrick Catlett.
Kansas State 0, Iowa State 7

Kansas State vs. Iowa State, pregame

Two weeks ago Coach Gene Chizik said there was nobody behind senior kicker Bret Culbertson to kick field goals. Senior Josh Griebahn, who usually handles punts, is on the field warming up kicking field goals. While Culbertson is taking his turns too, is this something to buy into or are we just that short on news? The Cyclone’s offense is struggling to score points so they have to find somebody who can put it through the uprights. Is that guy Griebahn?

Plenty to play for

Kansas State is team in the thick of the hunt for a Big 12 north division title. During coach Gene Chizik’s weekly Monday press conference, a lot of questions revolved around what his team would be playing for. They’ve lost six straight, are at the bottom of the conference, and are favored to lose all three of their remaining games. But there are plenty of bright spots. The defense has looked good. Besides their 56-3 disastrous loss to Texas, the Cyclones are holding most teams to below their average in yards gained. The good news? Most of those guys are coming back. Allen Bell who almost returned an interception for a touchdown two weeks ago is a sophomore. Jesse Smith, who ranks second on the team in tackles, is also a sophomore. Redshirt freshman Devin McDowell returned an interception for a touchdown against Missouri. Iowa State is on the verge of averaging 50,000 fans per game so it should be a packed house at Jack Trice Stadium. I’ll be blogging from the press box during tomorrow’s game so check it out.

Tough break

It seems like the past few months, all Iowa State fans have heard about the breaks the football team hasn’t been able to get. On Wednesday night, another went against the Cyclones, this time in basketball. Lucca Staiger, a freshman guard from Germany, was ruled ineligible for the 2007-08 basketball season. Talking with Staiger this morning, you could tell the news was shocking to him.
“I still don't really understand what the point is of this whole situation because I don't feel like I did anything wrong," Staiger said.
The situation is definitely an odd one. Staiger, who played three years with the Ehingen Club in Germany, was part of a team that had two of its players paid. Staiger and at least one other player has been ruled ineligible for now.
What is tough to take in about this situation is what happens to the six-foot, five-inch, 220 pound guard. I spent some time around the Cyclone basketball team this summer. Staiger was a guy I saw a lot of. Whether it was in the weight room or in the gym, he was defiantly a guy coach Greg McDermott was looking at for the guard position.
I remember running in Staiger along with freshman Clayton Vette and a number of other guys on the team. He was in the first row with some other basketball players after the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game cheering them on as Bret Culbertson was being carried off the field. Anyone could tell he just wanted to be a part of the team.
For now it looks like that’ll have to wait.

A little help?

In todays Daily, I wrote about the versatility of wide receiver Marquis Hamilton. The guy is catching passes, running the ball, hitting on special teams and almost threw a pass to Bret Meyer in the Cyclone’s game with Oklahoma. What a lot of fans don’t realize is that while Hamilton is out and about on special teams, he’s not the only starter. Senior wide receiver Todd Blythe is back in punt returns, Alvin Bowen is constantly roaming around, and Allen Bell is going after opponents full speed. Special teams was a problem coach Gene Chizik has been trying to fix all year. Alex Sandvig was having trouble handling punt returns, so he put in Blythe. They had trouble making tackles, he inserted Bowen. Now, what happens with kicker Bret Culbertson? Culbertson has made 8 of 14 field goal attempts on the season and Chizik said he has no one else. Earlier in the season he talked about how limited the Cyclones were in terms of depth. I think we’re really starting to see what he means by that now.

Close doesnt count

Fans were happy to see a close game and reporters were happy to write about a good game. The only people upset about Saturday's Oklahoma vs. Iowa State football game, the Cyclones.
During coach Gene Chizik's Monday press conference, the Cyclone's coach talked about missed field goals, dropped passes, and bad penalites. He said he's not into moral victories.
There were a lot of big positives that came out of Saturday's game. Iowa State's defense help the Sooners to zero points in first half, but an ever bigger thing could have happened that afternoon, a Cyclone's win.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, fourth quarter

Oklahoma interception in the end zone. Does Iowa Sate have another stop in them? The Cyclones had their shots. Meyer was not able to connect on a mass to Sumrall in the end zone. I’ve got to head down to Jacobson soon to do interviews. Check out a recap on the game at the Daily’s web site. www.iowastatedaily.com
Oklahoma 14, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, fourth quarter

Another play reviewed. An Iowa State catch that brought the ball down to the 30-yard line. The refs have spent more time watching t.v. during today's game then a five year old during Saturday morning cartoons.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, fourth quarter

Another fourth down attempt? The Cyclones have the ball on the Sooner’s 35 yard line and are short one yard. Down by seven with 12:02 remaining in the game, Chizik called a timeout. Should he for it or is there enough time still?
Oklahoma 14, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma at Iowa State, fourth quarter

After three quarters, who would have thought Iowa State would be in tied with Oklahoma? At this point during the 56-3 loss to Texas, most fans were watching the remainder of the game from home or had already started thinking about Wesley Johnson’s jump shot.
Brown and DeMarco Murray continue to run the ball well. Oklahoma is starting to move the ball well but Bradford can’t get off a deep pass. A few drops mixed in with several over and under throw passes have stopped the Sooner’s from reaching the end zone.
Oklahoma 7, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, third quarter

More breaks. After Kurtis Taylor recovers a Sooner fumble, referees reviewed a 10-yard catch by Marquis Hamilton. The play was no overturned and now the Cyclones are marching.
Oklahoma 7, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, third quarter

Now I know what Chizk meant by wanting your eyes poked out or your nose cut of when he was talking about Oklahoma. All three of Oklahoma’s running backs have run the ball efficiently to start the second half. Sooner sophomore running back Chris Brown just finished off a drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. After the extra point it’s tied. Besides a 30-yard pass by Meyer to open the third quarter, fans have been pretty quiet. I’m beginning to wonder if the momentum they had going into the locker room has worn off.
Oklahoma 7, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, halftime

Broadcaster Larry Cotlar who is sitting behind me put it the best. The scoreboard is about the only thing right. Fans looking at it though might think that’s wrong as Iowa State holds a 7-0 lead over Oklahoma at the half.
After Allen Bell returned an interception, Iowa State failed to convert on another fourth down attempt but pinned the Sooner’s deep into the Cyclone territory.
Referees took about 10 minutes to figure out play clock issues after it failed to run during the Sooner’s final possession.
To top off the confusion, Chizik decided to call a timeout with four seconds remaining in the half so he could watch Bradford take a knee. Maybe he wanted another opportunity to give the crowd to cheer.
Knox football fans have had more to cheer about this season.
Even if everything else is wrong, at least the score is right and fans are cheering.
Oklahoma 0, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, 2nd Quarter

This time it was Chizik taking chances. With a fourth down on the Sooner’s 28 yard line Iowa State went for it. The result was a six-yard scramble by Meyer.
The Cyclones came up with nothing on the drive though when kicker Bret Culbertson’s field goal attempt was wide right on a 35-yard attempt.
4:20 remaining in the half and the Sooners have the ball. With so many things going Iowa State’s way, will it stay this way?

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, 2nd Quarter

In Nebraska, coach Gene Chizik told reporters if you want to win on the road you’ve got to take chances. Today it was Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops taking chances going for it on fourth down. After scrambling, Bradford came up short and turned the ball over to the Cyclones. The Sooner’s were definitely in field goal territory but Stoops decided it was time to take a chance.
You wonder if it’s a matter of time before Bradford starts connecting on some of these passes. He had one-on-one coverage with wide receiver Malcom Kelly in the end zone but overthrew him.
Iowa State has the ball again and are trying to build on their lead.
Oklahoma 0, Iowa State 7.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, 2nd Quarter

Forget the moral victories Iowa State’s been winning. The Cyclones have a 7-0 lead over the Sooner’s at the end of the first quarter.
Bradford looks rattled and hasn’t put together a consistent drive yet.
Scales has run the ball well, including a two-yard touchdown. He has 27 yards rushing so far and none of them have been easy.
After being 30 point underdogs, any type of a lead for the Cyclones has to be huge.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, 1st Quarter

How about Iowa State’s secondary? Chris Brown comes out of nowhere to break up a deep pass by Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford and keeps the Sooner’s out of the end zone.
Definately doesn't look like the defense that gave up 56 points to Texas.
Bradford has had some open looks but has been unable to put together a consistent drive.
Oklahoma 0, Iowa State 7

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, 1st Quarter

It’s early but everything is clicking for the Cyclones. Alvin Bowen forced a fumble on the Sooners. After the ball sat on the field untouched for about five seconds, Rashawn Parker recovered it for Iowa State.
Running back Jason Scales ran through the Sooner defense for a two-yard touchdown.
Can the defense keep it up?
Oklahoma 0, Iowa State 7.

Oklahome vs. Iowa State, 1st Quarter

After watching Colt McCoy throw a touchdown pass for the first offensive play of the Texas vs. Iowa State game, fans had to be happy to see the Cyclone force the Sooners to a three and out in the first quarter.
Some nice tackling and with guys like Todd Blythe and Alvin Bowen playing special teams, the Cyclone’s are looking much better on kickoff and punt coverage.
The Cyclone’s offense is still trying to click. Quarterback Bret Meyer has made a couple of nice plays with a pitch to Jason Scales and a first down draw.
Oklahoma 0, Iowa State o.

Oklahoma at Iowa State

Typically when the gates open at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, a swarm of students come running through the gates to secure seats. The athletic department opens the stadium up an hour and a half prior to kickoff. For the Cyclone’s 11:30 a.m. matchup with No. 5 Oklahoma, I could almost single handedly count the amount of fans that came through save seats.
Maybe it’s another early morning game. Maybe it’s the fact that another rising BCS team is in town. Maybe it’s because there is almost more Sooner fans in town than Iowa State fans. Oklahoma fans had their own tent set up outside of Jack Trice Stadium.
The real question is how many fans are going to be running away from their seats at the end of the game. During the Cyclone’s 56-3 loss to Texas, traffic was stopped outside of Jack Trice Stadium during the third quarter with fans trying to get home.

Coach Mac's first loss

Life is full of those creepy coincidences. Last night I found myself eating at Old Chicago in Ames. Off in the corner, my eyes were going back and forth between the Indians and Red Sox baseball game and the South Florida and Rutgers game. When I really started thinking about it, I remembered just less than a year ago when I was sitting in almost the same spot at the restaurant watching Dan McCarney resign as the Cyclone’s coach. This time I was watching the former Iowa State coach lead the Bulls defensive line to an almost perfect season.
Sure the Bull’s 30-27 loss for their first defeat on the season was depressing for them. Through the course of the season I’ve talked to McCarney numerous times. From topics ranging from the annual Iowa/Iowa State game to when the Bulls first put themselves on the map when they upset Auburn on the road, I’ve learned he’s a glass is half full kind of guy. He’s always made himself available to Iowa media whether it’s about current coach Gene Chizik or former players like Troy Davis or Todd Blythe.
It’s not easy asking someone about their old job, let alone listening to them talk about it but McCarney has never been someone to shy away from it.
So when people ask me if I think he’s going to be ok after a loss like that, I always think back to what he’s finished up saying to me after just about every conversation I’ve had with him.
“I sure do miss Iowa State,” he says. “I had a great time there and I’ll never forget it.”
After how he left Ames, it sounds like he’s doing fine no matter what he does.
***
I"ll be blogging from the press box during the Oklahoma vs. Iowa State game tomorrow so check it out.

Keeping the faith?

For a 1-6 team, there is a lot of media coming to Ames when the Sooner’s visit the Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday. In fact, more media credentials have been issued for this game than when coach Gene Chizik’s former team, the Texas Longhorns came to town.
It’ll be a season high attendance in the press box, but what about in the stands? After the rough start and a 56-3 loss to Texas last Saturday, are you giving up hope on the Cyclones? Have you cashed in on your season tickets?
I’ll be blogging during the game from the press box so check it out.

Guessing Games

Media passes can only take us so far. One place they won’t take us, the practice field. I would do anything to spend one day on Iowa State’s practice field.
I would love to watch Bret Culbertson kick field goals.
I would love to watch Phillip Bates throw passes in practice.
I would really love to see J.J. Bass in practice because I want to know what happened. The junior college transfer from El-Camino Community College burst into the Cyclone’s season with a 133 yard rushing effort against Kent State. After that, he’s virtually disappeared. After a 134 yard game in Toledo, Bass didn’t play in Nebraska. Coach Gene Chizik didn’t make any mention of it until his weekly radio show at Applebees with John Walters. There, he called it a shoulder injury.
Since then, he’s run the ball a combined 18 times against Texas Tech and Texas.
Maybe Jason Scales is Chizik’s new running back. The point is, we just don’t know. Scales, who has carried the ball 72 times for 274 yards this season, has been listed at the top of the Cyclone’s depth chart since the Nebraska game.
Chizik made it clear from day one he was going to be careful about what he releases in terms of injury reports. While it may help confuse opponents, it leaves many questions up in the air.
Is Jason Scales his running back or is J.J. Bass just hurt?
Would Austen Arnaud really be playing if he wasn’t hurt?
Boy, would I really love to be at practice this week.

Whose it going to be?

No matter how much he doesn’t want to admit, Coach Gene Chizik has a quarterback controversy brewing on his team.
After a mixed performance Saturday from his senior quarterback Bret Meyer, Chizik spent the majority of his Monday morning answering the questions over whether Meyer or backup Austen Arnaud would be taking the snaps for the remainder of the season.
He’s sticking to what he’s said all year; he’s going to go with the guy that give him the best chance to win. But at some point does he have to think about who is going to give him the best chance to win next year or even the year after?
Arnaud’s gotten some mop up duty against Northern Iowa and Texas but the red shirt freshman still hasn’t taken off the training wheels.
What do you think? Are you waiting for the Ames native or do you want to see Meyer ride out his season as the starter?
If you think that questions tough, wait till we get to Phillip Bates.

Nebraska 56, Iowa State 3

So how bad was it today? Not only did the Cyclones suffer their worst since 1997 when Nebraska defeated Iowa State 77-14, fans couldn’t stand watching it. Who would have thought it would have been smarter to stay till the end of the game to avoid traffic? With 11 minutes to play in the fourth quarter, from the press box I could see cars at a standstill waiting to move.
To put it into even more perspective, after the game, I went down to the visiting locker room to talk to Longhorns Coach Mack Brown and quarterback Colt McCoy. Usually when a team like Texas comes in and wins, reporters from other outlets around the state are typically down there to get a few quick thoughts. Nothing. Besides one other reporter, I was surrounded by a herd of Texas newspaper reporters and camera crews. Besides doing interviews in the middle of a hallway, it was practically a home game for them. They made themselves at home not only on the field but throughout the Jacobson Building.
I guess when your pulling out 56-3 victories on the road you could probably feel comfortable in the feeding tank of a shark with meat tied around your neck.

Texas at Iowa State, 4th Quarter

The paid attendance at today’s game was 52,060. Most of them have come and gone, if they were actually here. It’s 49-3 Texas and the Longhorns are running out the clock. I’m getting ready to head down to do interviews. Read a recap on the Daily’s web site. www.iowastatedaily.com.

Texas at Iowa State, 4th Quarter

He’s back. After making his collegiate debut five weeks ago, Cyclones backup quarterback Austen Arnaud replaced Bret Meyer. Arnaud, who made his debut in week two of the Cyclones season against the Northern Iowa Panthers, led Iowa State to a three and out. The fourth quarter just started, are we going to see more of the freshman?

Texas at Iowa State, 3rd Quarter

Are fans waiting around for moral support or the possible emergence of Cyclone’s backup quarterback Austen Arnaud. Earlier in the week, a reporter asked Chizik about possibly using some of the younger players in late game situations like this. Chizik said he was going to use the team that gave him the best chance to win. With 7:00 minutes remaining the third quarter and ISU down 42-3, why not give a guy like Arnaud some more playing time?

Texas at Iowa State, 3rd Quarter

Right about now, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is looking more comfortable than my dad sitting on a sofa during a Sunday afternoon. He’s completed 20-of-24 pass attempts for 274 yards and four touchdowns. He’s weaved in and out of Iowa State defenders and just guided the Longhorns downfield for 70 yards and a touchdown. Texas 35, Iowa State 3.

Texas at Iowa State, Half-Time

It’s halftime and the most exciting part of today’s game has been watching Todd Blythe complete a pass to quarterback Bret Meyer. We’ve seen the Longhorn’s backup quarterback, Bret Culbertson miss a field goal, and Colt McCoy reach the end zone on Texas’ first offensive possession of the game. Most of the fans have cleared out of Jack Trice Stadium since half-time. They don’t seem to care, do you? Texas 28, Iowa State 3.

Texas at Iowa State, 2nd Quarter

Are there injuries or does Coach Brown just see the writing on the ball of a possibly huge win. Backup quarterback John Chiles is already in the game in the second quarter. He’s not Vince Young but he shows shades of him with quickness and good decision making. He’s made a few nice pitches and run for a couple of strong gains. Texas 14, Iowa State, 3.

Texas at Iowa State, 2nd Quarter

Against Nebraska, Chizik used a fake punt by Michael Brandtner. Today, he used a halfback pass from Blythe to Meyer for a 21 yard gain. After the game in Nebraska, Chizik said you need to take risks on the road. At this point in the season against an opponent like Texas, maybe you need to treat it like a road game. The Cyclones are marching in the red zone. Texas 14, Iowa State 0.

Texas at Iowa State, 1st Quarter

It’s early but things aren’t going any way for the Cyclones. Longhorns quarterback is 1-1 in passing with a 58 yard touchdown pass. Kicker Bret Culbertson missed a field goal attempt wide right to put the Cyclones on the scoreboard. 4:27 remaining in the first quarter, Texas 7, Iowa State 0. How many mistakes can the Cyclones make and stay in this game?

We meet again

We had our first Gene Chizik/Mack Brown sighting. Just after the offense came out to the field for warm-ups, the two met at the 50-yard line. For about 10 minutes, the two shook hands, hugged, and talked. But Brown wasn’t the only one greeting Chizik. A parade of players came over to greet their former defensive coordinator. The meeting seemed pleasant but will the rest of the day. I’ll be blogging from the press box must of the game to keep fans updated.

The meeting

It’s like waiting for Shaquille O’Neil and Kobe Bryant to meet after half court before the first Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers game. Photographers have their cameras waited to click the shot of Gene Chizik and Mack Brown before the game. Reporters are watching from the press box waiting for the first exchange. It’s the first meeting between these two ever. On Wednesday, Chizik talked about how excited he was for this game. Iowa State’s season is draining and dying, but are you still excited?

An inside source

Walking into the Jacobson Building Monday morning, I knew it was coming. Sitting in the front row of Gene Chizik’s weekly Monday press conference, it didn’t take long for the Mack Brown questions to come. How much of being a former coach is going to help your team? Do you have any insight that you can provide about your team? More amazing then the same type of question being asked ten different times, probably eight by me, was the answer that Chizik gave.
“I know the players,” Chizik said a former defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns. “I know who’s capable of doing what, so I think that’s a little bit of something we can give to our players.”
Amazing! I’ve been in locker rooms, press conferences, dugouts, on the field, whatever, before games. Going into it, I expected the typical, “we’ve just got to play our game,” speech.
“I think we’ve got to step on him because he knows how to act and how they react,” said sophomore linebacker Jesse Smith.
The big question is how big of a difference can it really make? A hitter may know a 90 MPH fastball is coming but you still have to hit it. They knew the passing game was coming against Texas Tech but still lost 42-17.
“We’re going to look over the game plan the same as we would look over for any other team,” said junior wide receiver Euseph Messiah. “For him to have connections over there doesn’t hurt.”

Say what?

There are two questions it seems like every reporter is asking Iowa State football players these days.
1.) Are you guys watching how Coach McCarney is doing?
2.) Do these upsets give you hope?
The Cyclone’s season has already reached the destination point where the answer, “we don’t consider ourselves under dogs,” answer is no longer reasonable. Most players are realistic and Coach Chizik is honest. Monday he said everything would have to go right to in order for the Cyclones to pull off an upset Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium. Sitting 1-5 and near the bottom of the Big 12 North Division, a win against anyone is rapidly turning into an upset.
And fans thought the sky was falling after the Longhorns dropped two in a row? Imagine how they would feel if their team lost to a Cyclones team whose lone win of the season came at the hands of the Hawkeyes who suddenly don’t look like as great of a team as most people thought.
After Appalachian State defeated Michigan, the questions began. Now, we’ve watched Notre Dame start off 0-5, Stanford beat USC, and South Florida (McCarney’s team) travel to Auburn and win.
“There is absolutely no doubt that you can win or lose every game you have left bad on the way things are going,” said Texas coach Mack Brown during his weekly press conference Monday.
Do you think the Cyclones have an upset brewing on their schedule?
They have plenty of opportunities coming up over the next three games.
Saturday: Texas
October 20: Oklahoma
October 27: at Missouri
Take your pick. If not, you can always count on McCarney’s Bulls, or are their wins even upsets anymore?

Long Day

Could things get any worse for the Iowa State football team right now? First they suffer a 42-17 defeat in Texas Tech. The Red Raiders led the entire game, almost threw for 200 more yards than the Cyclones, and held ISU to a season low 287 total yards of offense. The team didn’t arrive back into Ames until almost 6 a.m. They are in the midst of the longest losing streak in Coach Gene Chizik’s career. It’s always hard to follow a team that’s going through a losing season. Next up: defending national champion Texas Longhorns. How much longer are you going to be watching?

He who hesitates.....

Let’s be honest, life really isn’t getting much easier for Cyclone’s coach Gene Chizik. He’s never been though a stretch of games like this.
At Texas and Auburn, his teams were either mounting historic comeback wins against USC or closing the deal. Now, he’s watching his team blow 11 point leads in Toledo in Nebraska.
No one said it was going to be easy but we’re at the halfway mark of the season and you can see it’s starting to drain. At his Monday press conferences, we’re used to seeing an upbeat, the glass is half full kind of guy. This Monday, it took him awhile but Chizik finally opened up to reporters.
When he did, he brought up one of the most interesting things he’s said all season. Asked if he could pinpoint one thing that’s led to his team’s four losses this season, the first year coach said one thing, turnovers.
Opponents this season have scored 51 points off 15 Iowa State turnovers this season.
“I think they play a huge role in why we’re 1-4,” Chizik said.
To show just how big of a role, he said he has sat his team down and watched every single turnover this season. Every interception, every fumble, they have watched every single mistake.
On a young team you wonder if that takes a toll on them. I asked Chizik if he thought if it was now becoming a mental situation for them.
He didn’t think so. He doesn’t think they’re hesitating but he made it clear they know what’s causing them to lose games.
While they might not be worried after every run, every catch, or

Memorial Stadium

We all knew Phillip Bates was an amazing player but after Saturday’s game in Nebraska, I have an even great appreciation for him. The freshman from Omaha had only two catches for 19 yards but the most amazing aspect of it was the mere site of Bates in a Cyclones uniform. His dad Phillip Sr. played fullback for the Cornhuskers before moving onto the NFL as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs. He was recruited to go there, his friends signed there, but Bates picked Iowa State and walking around Memorial Stadium, its hard to figure out why.
You walk into the front doors and in a glass case you see five national championship trophies. You walk through the lobbies and you see walls filled with Sports Illustrated covers that have Nebraska athletes as centerpieces. Keyword: walls. State of the art training facilities are throughout the building. I half expected to be served lobster tails in the press box.
I didn’t realize just how important all these things were until another reporter turned to me and pointed at a picture of some female athletes wearing dresses in a team photo. “See, “ she said. “It’s small things like that would make them some good.” After some though, I completely agreed. Granted the photo was a nice touch, but what high school football star isn’t impressed by the site of cases filled with national championship and Heisman trophies?
Last week the Cornhuskers were getting booed after barely beating Ball State. With the trophies come expectations, to win weekly.
“I think we have to get better,” said Nebraska coach Bill Callahan after the Cornhuskers 35-17 win over Iowa State Saturday. “That’s the great thing about coming off a win like this. You’ll see plenty you can improve from and plenty that you’ll certainly learn from and get better.”
As a few of us were walking out, another reporter asked for a picture in front of one of the national championship trophies.
“This is as close as we’re ever going to get he,” said.
Rome and even Memorial Stadium weren’t built overnight.

History Lesson

They have history, tradition, and the worst road trip on just about anyone’s schedule. A road trip to Nebraska ranks on my excitement schedule somewhere between getting a physical and getting my wisdom teeth taken out. The most exciting part of the trip though is actually arriving at Memorial Stadium and getting a history lessen on college football. J.J. Bass told me earlier in the season how excited he was about the team’s first road trip, to Toledo. Imagine how pumped the junior college transfer must be heading to Nebraska. Looking at all of the national championship trophies has to make it inspiring for a young team with a new head coach and their entire futures ahead of them. Several of the reporters will be making the trip to Nebraska along with several other fans I’ve talked to. The game won’t be televised so will any of you be making it to the game?

Goodbye Cy

It’s funny that he brought it up because right when I saw the new Cyclone’s uniforms, one of the first things that popped into my head was McDonalds. As Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard unveiled the new uniforms for the Cyclone’s football team, one distinct thing was missing, Cy.
“Much like Disney made the choice to promote the ears, but still uses Mickey and McDonalds promotes the arches but still uses Ronald, the Cyclones will still have Cy,” Pollard said at the press conference.
The Cyclones may still have Cy but what they now have are McDonald colored uniforms. To me, gold+red=McDonalds.
After the press conference, Pollard chatted with reporters. He asked what we thought. The most ironic thing was the first group of reporters he looked to were us, the four reporters from the student newspaper, the student. His first job of the day was announcing the new logo and uniforms. His job for the next year, selling it to students.
Throughout the process, fans could vote on which of the three designs they liked the most. While the voting started, fans started rallying around Cy like it was another most dominate mascot on the earth contest. Facebook groups popped up saying, “Save Cy.”
Throughout the day, I walked around campus showing students pictures of the new uniforms. Just about every time, the first question was, “where is Cy.” If the question didn’t come up, I could see eye balls wondering throughout the pictures looking for him.
Fans seemed to enjoy the new look but they miss Cy.
The most ironic thing out of this isn’t that Cy is missing, it’s the conversation that I had with an athletic department intern. I asked her what she thought of the new uniforms.
“I hate them,” she said.
Before the announcement, she along with several co-workers had plopped up side-by-side photos of the new uniforms with Southern California’s. Just about identical she said.
If they aren’t going to have the Trojan’s record right now, why not look like them?
“Whatever we need to do to win games,” one student told me. “If you need new uniforms to win games, then do it.”

Fixing the leak

One game it was Bret Culbertson missing kicks, the next it was Zac Sandvig muffing punt returns, now it’s a combination of special team errors. Iowa State coach Gene Chizik himself compared the problems of special teams to a leaking dam. When one problem gets fixed, another comes up.
But what is the problem with special teams?
Chizk thinks it could have something to do with switching up personnel, as many of his defensive players are also working special teams.
“There is a fine line when your defensive guys might be playing 70 to 80 plays a game and then they’re on every special team,” Chizik said.
Defensive back and punt returner Allen Bell said Chizik, “hit the nail right on the head.”
Defensive back James Smith said he knows it’s a problem but they’ll get through the current problems like they did the other ones.
“It’s really tough but we’re not going to give up on each other because we’re one team here,” Smith said. “We’re just got to fix those things and I think we’ll fine.”
The Cyclones enter Saturday’s game against Nebraska as 21 point underdogs.
Do you think they’ll have the problems fixed by then?

Special Teams

He’s a guy who tells you it as straight as possible. Less than 24 hours after the Cyclones 36-35 defeat in Toledo, Jay Boulware, the Cyclones special team’s and running back’s coach was walking around the Jacobson Building with a hat on backwards and sweat dripping from the top. As the coach walked by reporters, I overhead him tell a Cyclone official, “I’m rejuvenated, I’m not looking down.” It’s not only hard to stay up after dropping three out of your four first games, but Boulware watched his unit make multiple mistakes. Long snapper Matt Purvis couldn’t connect with punter Mike Brandtner in the fourth quarter allowing a Toledo touchdown. With less than a minute remaining, field goal kicker Bret Culbertson’s bid to make back-to-back game winning field goals, was shot down when it was blocked. Next week, Iowa State faces a Nebraska team that ran for 552 yards offense against Ball State Saturday. Boulware may not be looking down, but are you?

Hangover?

They’re pumped, they’re energized, and every Iowa State Cyclone is acting exactly as they did after losses to Kent State and Northern Iowa.
For the firs time in his coaching career, Cyclone’s coach Gene Chizik will be coaching his team through a week after a win.
Walking around the Jacobson Building, there was a different buzz in the building. Maybe it was Hickory Park food being catered that night, maybe it was the effects of a 15-13 win or Iowa, or maybe it’s just a team finally coming together.
Todd Blythe seemed as confident heading into Toledo as he did against Kent State and Northern Iowa. Sweat dripping down his face, the senior wide receiver talked with reporters Tuesday after what looked like his most intense practice of the year.
J.J. Bass was ready for his first road trip and didn’t utter a word about the previous game.
Defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt was ready to stop talking about the Hawkeyes.
Coach Gene Chizik doesn’t think there will be a hangover from the Iowa game, do you?

Getting his game winner

One of the toughest interviews I had to do since becoming a sports writer was with Iowa State kicker Bret Culbertson. I remember walking up to him on media day. He was standing by himself taking in atmosphere of his final season as a Cyclone. What made the interview so difficult was not the type of person he was or any unwillingness to answer a question but the difficulty to ask such a grounded person a question he's probably been asked thousands of times. How do you possibly bounce back from missing two of arguably the most historic kicks in ISU history?
Standing there introducing myself to a guy that many have considered one of the greatest kickers in school history, Culbertson and I talked about everything from school (he's a journalism major) personal life (he'd just gotten married) to expectations for the upcoming season (they are always high). It didn't take long before he we got to the heart of the matter. Culbertson told me that he doesn't worry about the past. Whats happened has happened. He believed God had a reason for everything happening but hoped Cyclones would remember the kicks he's made, not missed.
"I just hope fans and coaches remember me as the guy that can get the job done when they need to count on it," Culbertson said.
After the Cyclone's 15-13 win over Iowa Saturday, fans seemed to remember only one thing, the 28-yard field goal he nailed as time nearly expired.
A man who many had pointed the finger at for Iowa State never winning a Big 12 North title was now being carried off the field. Fans carried, hugged, and cheered for Culbertson.
Just hours after his game winning kick, I checked his facebook profile. His wall was loaded with messages of congratulations. People who didn't know him took time to thank him.
"Bret I know you don't know me, but me and my family were moved to tears at how happy we were that got a chance to win it for us today after all the ups and downs in your careerl," wrote one individua. "As life-long Iowa State fans, I don't ever remember being this happy for an individual player."
Perhaps the most interesting thing Culbertson said to me when we finished up the interview was one the goals he hoped to have checked off the list by the end of the season.
"I want to hit a game winner this year," he said. "I think the few misses early in my career made me what I am on the field and off the field."
On Saturday he got that wish and took advantage of it.

Bass ready to roll

He's learned how to play in the juco level, the Big 12, now junior running back J.J. Bass is going to get a big taste of another level of football, Big 10. Bass and his Cyclone teammates host the Hawkeyes this Saturday for perhaps the biggest game of the young back's career. For the past week, he says teammates have been feeding him history on the big game.
"I've been getting it from guys all the time," Bass said. "Before I even got here, they were telling me, Iowa game, Iowa game."
What Bass has probably heard most about it is the Iowa defense which held Syracuse to just 103 total offense yards last Saturday. Coach Gene Chizik was impressed with it, but after watching tape, Bass wasn't phased.
"I think we're ready," he said. "We size up well with these guys, they put on their pads the same way we put on our pads. I really don't see much of a difference."
The difference is Iowa is 2-0. Iowa has beat the lower conference teams.
Bass, who transfered from El Camino Community College will get his first taste of the rivalry. Just hours after the Panther's 24-13 win, Bass talked to reporters about how excited he was for his first game. He was happy. He was energetic. He couldn't stop pacing. He was also confident.
"I've very pumped right now," he said. "Just watching the film, seeing all the big plays you made, we're going to put it all together this weekend. I've got a really good feeling about this game."
The Hawkeyes are currently 17 point favorites to win.
Bass thinks they can do it, do you?

Fan Support

While time was expiring in Iowa State's last game against Northern Iowa, I casually walked around the stadium talking to fans about the ongoing season. Talk ranged from their first 0-2 start since the start of the Dan McCarney era, who the starting quarterback should be, and how many games fans would make it out to future games.
I outlined the responses of several fans in today's Iowa State Daily article. Check out the story at Iowastatedaily.com.
What the story doesn't include was some of the more negative feedback.
I had one student tell me with a group of friends he'd rather watch his family die in a plane crash then go to another Cyclone game.
Another kid called it the worst experience of his life. It's hard to imagine that a football game is really the worst experience of an 18 year olds life.
Finally when I was leaving Jack Trice Stadium I found a father wearing a red and black Cyclones jacket, holding his daughter over his shoulders. I approached the gentlemen to ask him his thoughts on the young season. "I don't want to talk about Cyclones football," he said.
He may not want to talk about it but he was still there with his family as the finally seconds came off the clock. Fans will be there for the Iowa/Iowa State game, but after that, will you be?

Congrats Mac

It used to be that one of the biggest upsets Dan McCarney was a part of was claiming Iowa State's first victory over the Hawkeyes in 15 years in the Cy-Hawk Series in 1998. Now, the former Cyclone's coach had a hand in perhaps an even bigger one as his South Florida team upset N0. 17 Auburn on the road Saturday.
I talked to McCarney early Sunday, around 11:00 a.m. Florida time. He'd gotten back from Auburn at around 6:00 a.m. and his phone had been ringing off the hook non-stop. Calling him back several hours later, he was losing his voice. It was the same voice you could hear looking back at the Mediacom replays of the Insight.com Bowl win as he was celebrating his team's first bowl victory ever. He had been answering calls all morning, the most he'd gotten since his final game at Iowa State.
Gene Chizik is the new head coach but players haven't forgotten about their former leader. Bret Culbertson told me on the Cyclone's media day he still routinely emails McCarney. Many of the players came to his father's funeral over the summer. Quarterback Bret Meyer said he caught the tail end South Florida game.
When I spoke with McCarney earlier in the week about what the annaul Cy-Hawk series meant to him, he told me had only a few minutes in between team meetings. We talked for about 15. One of the last things he told me wasn't about the Hawkeyes or any of Todd Blythe's performances against Iowa.
"I sure do miss it up there at Iowa State," he said.

Meyer's his man

He wasn't afraid to say it before Kent State and ISU Gene Chizik is still hinting about playing backup quaterbacks Austin Arnaud and Phillip Bates. After practice on Wednesday, I asked Chizik if Cyclone fans would see either of the backups Saturday against Northern Iowa.
"That'll be a game time decision," Chizik said. "Right now we're always preparing for a backup to play in case something happens to your starter."
Meyer brings three years of experience while Arnaud and Bates give Cyclone fans a few seasons of hope down the road.
Who would you start?

Lower league but high class

ISU coach Gene Chizik said he didn't watch the Appalachian State game, but he wasn't suprised by the outcome.
Appalachian State, who upset No.5 Michigan with a 34-32 victory, shocked many people but not Chizik.
"I think its a great eye opener for everyone to see what kind of talent they have in those other leagues," Chizik said.
Chizik's eyes were opened up wide as he watched another small conference team, Kent State of the MAC, defeat his Cyclones in week one of their season. Now he's preparing for another one in Gateway Conference runner up Northern Iowa.
Last year the Cyclone's slipped away with a 28-27 victory when Panther's kicker Brian Wingert missed a 51-yard field go attempt.
Regardless of the Michigan game, ISU quarterback Bret Meyer was already prepared for another small school matchup.
"If Michigan would have blown them out, it wouldn't have changed the way we thought about them anyways," Meyer said. "That's not going to change. I know based on the way they played last year, it wouldn't have taken another team to open my eyes."
As for Appalachian State, Meyer said he was impressed with quarterback Armanti Edwards who passed for 227 yards in the victory.
"They're a good team," he said. "Good quarterback, good receiever, and you saw speed. He was running away from Michigan like they were the Division IAA team."
Outside of Edwards, he said he was shocked more of the players weren't in bigger conferences.
"You watch those guys and wonder how they didn't get picked up by anyone else," he said.

Bret Meyer or Austin Arnaud?

Fans could hear it in the stands and reporters could hear it in the press box. As soon as senior quarterback Bret Meyer threw his second interception against Kent State last Thursday, the talk around the stadium was when Cyclone fans would see redshirt freshman Austin Arnaud. Even with a dismal opening season performance, Chizik said he isn't ready to sit Meyer.
"Everything out there was correctable," Chizik said at his Monday press conference.
But how much time is there to fix things? After an SEC title with Auburn and a national championship with Texas last season, Chizik said he wasn't going to accept anything average.
Losses cost Dan McCarney his job. Mistakes prevented Chizk from his first win.
"We've got to get back to the drawing board and make sure we protect the football which we didn't do a good job of tonight," said Chizik after the Cyclones loss to Kent State.
While Meyer remains at number one on the Cyclones depth chart, the question will be, for how long? In his opening season press conference, Chizik was asked at least three times about the possibility of playing Arnaud or third stringer Phillip Bates.
"Bret Meyer is our quarterback," Chizik said at the end.
While Chizik had to clarify exactly who his opening night starter was, its a question he might be seeing througout the season, especially if there are more games like Kent State.
"He can't throw two interceptions and turn the ball over twice and expect us to win against anybody, ever," Chizik said.