Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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?

Monday, November 26, 2007

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.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

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?

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

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.

Friday, November 9, 2007

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.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

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.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

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?

Friday, November 2, 2007

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.