Cyclone Football

Cyclone Football

A lot has happened since the last time I posted about ISU football. ISU pulled off their first win in Lincoln since 1977 and the Cyclones got to within one game of bowl eligibility! I would like to take a moment to recap what I saw the last couple of weeks and take a look ahead at what might happen the rest of the season.

The Past:

ISU made great strides the last several weeks ending three streaks: Conference losing streak, conference road losing streak and losing streak at Nebraska. Paul Rhoads has released several demons surrounding ISU football so far. With one more win he will end a streak of losing seasons dating back to 2005. ISU’s wins against Baylor and Nebraska proved they are relevant in the North once again, although that is not saying a whole lot. Considering ISU played without their top two offensive players made it all the more impressive. They players are buying into Rhoads’ system and it seems to be working. What I also learned was ISU has a long way to go, which is about as obvious as Charles Barkley’s gambling problem. The Cyclones going to a bowl game was a long shot before the season and it looks like a real possibility now. The Cyclones are two plays away from leading the Big XII North. It will be interesting to see if they continue to play at a high, by their standards, level of play the rest of the season. It starts with a ranked Oklahoma State squad.

Present:

Iowa State gets a chance to play on ABC, although its regional coverage, against a ranked opponent at home. Can Rhoads exercise another demon? It will be easier with the return of Arnaud, Stephens and a healthy Robinson. This game really comes down to the defense. They are going to have to at least slow down the OSU offense. If they can play opportunistic defense and be plus two in turnover margin they should be in good position. If not, they will be in trouble. It was very surprising to me that ISU was only a 7.5 underdog. To be honest, I am picking OSU to cover in my spread pool. This would be another great win for Paul Rhoads and could keep the momentum rolling and keep them in position for the Big XII North title. Honestly, I don’t think it is going to happen, but I am certainly hoping for it.

Future:

Looking into my crystal ball I see the Cyclones finishing at 6-6 with a big losses to Oklahoma State and Missouri and a narrow victory over Colorado. That should get them into a bowl game especially if Kansas State fails to get to 7 wins, which they need to become bowl, eligible. Six wins could put them anywhere from the Independence or Texas bowl to the Humanitarian or New Mexico Bowl. None of those sound to appealing, but to think the Cyclones started the season on a ten game losing streak, it would be quite the feat. That is all for right now…Go Cyclones!