The Commissioner Has Turned On the Fasten Seat Belt Sign

Saturday the Cyclones will launch into their season against The Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.   I guess we get to see which is stronger a hurricane or a cyclone.  

The Cyclones have arguable the strongest team the Cyclones have seen in the Paul Rhoads area.   However, since the Big XII added both TCU and West Virginia two top 25 teams to the conference this year the Cyclones may not show it in the win column.  

Let’s quickly review the safety precautions:  Be certain you have hidden all carry in items under a coat, or sweatshirt. Use caution when opening alternative beverages, and please close them securely, as items may shift during an exciting play by the Cyclones.

Iowa State has 7 returning starters on the offensive side of the ball and 5 on the defensive side.   Although Paul Rhoads has been building his team on defense, we should see improved offense this year by the Cyclones.   The beauty of having a defensively minded team is that it keeps games close and you always have a chance.   This has been proven by our Rhoads coached team over the last three years.

If you are seated in an exit seat, you must be able to stand up and down.  You must be able to do this without blocking the view of the person behind you, thus possibly causing harm to yourself, or causing a distraction for others.

Courtney Messingham, offensive coordinator; replaces Tom Herman, who left to be Urban Meyer's offensive coordinator at Ohio State.   Messingham was the receivers coach in 2011 before he took over the offensive coordinator and play calling responsibilities in 2012.  Expect the same no huddle spread offense that was exhibited during the 2012 season.

Cellular phones may only be used to sext or check other scores around the league while play is active on the field. Certain electronic devices may not be used at any time, such as devices that vibrate or cause loud unexpected outbreaks in screams or shrieks.  Approved electronic devices, may be used after the game to celebrate a big win, at your own personal discretion.

The Quarterback controversy seems to have been solved.   Paul Rhoads announced that senior Steele Jantz will be the starting quarterback for the 2:30 kickoff with Tulsa on Saturday.   Jared Barnett, sophomore saw significant playing time last year.   Hopefully, Jantz has learned how to control the ball and stay healthy in the off-season and we don’t have a need to use Barnett as much as last year.  

Smoking is not allowed during this flight.   If you must smoke, please do it outside the stadium.   Smoking is strictly prohibited and will only be allowed in the form of a victory cigar after a big win, or something else that might fit in a pipe.   Example: Oklahoma State University 2011.  

The Running back position may be the deepest on the squad.  James White; junior, Jeff Woody; junior, and backing them up is Shontrelle Johnson; junior who suffered a neck injury in 2011.   James White is the lightning with 4.5 speed, Jeff Woody is the thunder at 240 and 45 heavier than White.   While Johnson is the hail, don’t know when it will show up but when and if he does he will cause a lot of damage.  

Exits on each row are at either end.  Only use exits at halftime or once the game has been completed.  If there is a sudden loss of electrical power, it is probably the end of the game.   That would be a signal that it is time to leave.  

The Wide Receiver core has one returning starter Josh Lenz returning starter.   Keep an eye out for Albert Gary, and Freshman Quentun Bundrage.   Jarvis West, and Jerome Tiller former Quarterback could provide some major impact at times too.  We have deeper group of receivers with more speed.  The Cyclones have two experienced quarterbacks so expect more offensive movement up and down the field at least between the 20’s. 

If there is a sudden loss of vision during a play, Please review the big scoreboard for the replay.   Make sure you have reviewed the play and fully understand the outcome before trying to explain the results to a female or toddler.   Once play has resumed you may begin cheering and observing the play on the field. 

Defensively Iowa State will be returning 5 starters including Linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein who have received national recognition as a standout Linebacker duo.   The Cyclones will be improved on defense.  However, don’t expect the defensive line to provide too much pressure on opposing quarterbacks.   Expect Knott and Klein to have beefy tackle numbers this year.  The good news is Iowa State has built its program on defense which keeps us in most games.  Expect another big upset this year which has been the trend in the last 3 years.  

We recommend reviewing all of the safety information, which can be found at the entrance to the stadium or on the large scoreboard in the north end zone. If you are unable to understand the safety instructions, turnover the card and read the instructions in English.

The biggest question and sore thumb for the Cyclones has been the kicking game.  We have Cole Netten a true freshman and with a redshirt season available with Edwin Arcoe, junior college transfer has two years to play and could go this year.   Kicking in Jack Trice is no easy feat, particularly in October and November when rain, wind, and snow always factor into the performance.   However, the kicking game and special teams is an area where Paul Rhoads must have his eye.  And never rule out a Jim Walden style trick play from Rhoads.  Rhoads certainly has made the Cyclones more fun to watch over the past couple years.

To prepare for kickoff, please store your tray table, in the upright and locked position, and discontinue the use of all electronic devices.   We’ll be cruising at an altitude of 0 to 18 inches.   Our next stop will be a warm weather bowl location yet to be determined.   (Not to jinx it – last year I said, no way the Cyclones make a bowl game and they did.  Happily I was wrong, therefore my real projection is 5-7 for the 2012 Cyclone Football Team.)

Sports Talk with The Commissioner

Commissioner:  We have Tom on the line from Baltimore, Go ahead Tommy.

Tom:  I would like to thank you for taking my call.   How do you feel Big XII Football compares with the other major football conferences? 

Commissioner:  CLICK.  Wrong Thomass.   Let’s review the facts here people.   The Big XII has 6 teams in the Top 25.   That is 60% of the teams in the conference.   The SEC has 6 in the Top 25 (5 in the top 10).  That is 42.8% of their conference teams.   The Big Ten (scandal league) has 5 ranked teams.   That is 41.6% of their conference teams.   Pac 12 has 3 in the top 25 (2 in top 5).   That is 25% of the conference teams.   ACC has 3 in the Top 25.   That is also 25% of the conference schools.    The Big XII ranks as one of if not the toughest football conference in the country.  Thanks for the call Thomass.  

Commissioner:  We have Mike on the line from Johnston.   Go ahead Magic Mike.

Magic Mike:  Commissioner, Iowa State has had a quarterback controversy in the weeks leading up to the football season.   Even though Paul Rhoads has named Steele Jantz the starter, who do you think deserves the starting spot :Jared Barnett, sophomore or Steele Jantz, Senior?

Commissioner:  Click, Wrong.   That was a wells constructed question, but the Iowa State coach got this one wrong.   Barnett is the right answer.   If the competition for the starting QB spot was as close as the coach wanted us to believe you have to go with Barnett.   Barnett is a sophomore and the future of your program.   Jantz in 2011 had 10 TDs and 11 Ints, while Barnett had 6 TDs and 6 Ints.  They were virtually the same.   Go with youth and the future of the program.   But, no worries – Barnett will see plenty of playing time this year.   Tulsa is a good program and is obviously giving the coach some concern, he can’t overlook or lose this game.   So, he went with maturity and experience, even though Jantz is a Junior College transfer.  

Commissioner:  We have Terri on the line from Ames.

Terri: Commissioner last year the Cyclone Lady Cross Country team finished 7^th in the country.   How do you think they will do this year?

Commissioner:  ZZZ zzz ZZZ.  Snore.

Terri: Commissioner?????

Commissioner: Huh, oh I must have doozed off there for a minute.   Click!!! Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.   This is a College Football show.   It sounds to me like you have lost a little more air out of your big top.   That’s all we have for today. 

Commissioner's Report - The Big XII Preview.

Big 12 Preview 2012

The College Football Preliminary Rankings boast 5 teams ranked in the Top 20 and 6 teams in the Top 25 from The Big 12.  This is equal number of ranked teams as the SEC.  This year The Big 12 begins football competition this fall with changes in the lineup.   Texas A&M and Missouri both exited the Big 12 for the SEC, and their Big 12 spots were filled by TCU and West Virginia.  Time will tell, but at first look this is probably good from a competition perspective and not as good from a television and viewership perspective.   Meaning we gave up great metropolitan areas with strong fan bases to add two teams that have consistently been in the top 20 for the past decade.    I’ll attempt to preview the Big 12 this fall and I’ll go alphabetically:  

1.       Baylor – Baylor Gonna Make a Bowl?   They had a story book year last year with a Heisman Trophy winner and a 10-win season.   Don’t expect the same plot this year.  Although the Baylor Bears have turned the corner and still have a good deal of talent it will be nearly impossible to repeat the story line from last year.   The Bears will be reloading in the skill positions.   They slide back this year and fight for a bowl game.   Prediction:  No bowl.  5-7 with 2 conference wins: Kansas and Texas Tech (Iowa State is in Ames).

2.       Iowa State – Upset At The Cyclones Again.  In Ames the Story is Paul Rhoads.   Rhoads calls Iowa State his dream job, and there are probably two people in the U.S. that would say that: Paul Rhoads and his mother.   Rhoads enters his 4^th year as head coach -- a typically pivotal year in college coaching.   You graduated the first three years of inheritance and now the fruits of your recruiting labors begin to show their talent.   Iowa State has attended a bowl game in two of three years of Paul Rhoads’ clipboard and whistle wielding.   Iowa State loses some of their skill positions and line talent.   But, they bring back their two nationally recognized linebackers: Jake Knott and Kevin Klein.    Iowa State kept 6 games within less than 6 points last year and won all 6.   That is good defense.   That will be a difficult task to replicate like the Baylor 10-win season.    But, don’t count Iowa State out, Rudy; they have been known for the upset since Paul Rhoads’ coronation as head coach.  Prediction:  5-7 and no bowl game.   To get to the Promised Land, Iowa State needs to pull off another major upset just to equal the 6-6 season from last year.

3.       Kansas –No Weisenheimer.  Charlie Weis is the new head man in Lawrence.   Charlie coached recently at Notre Dame and was the offensive coordinator/under study of Bill Bel-a-Prick, Head Man of the New England Patriots.    Weis wouldn’t have considered the Kansas job for a million dollars or some(x) variable thereof, before his poor performance with the Notre Dame Job.   The Kansas football head coaching job is a long grinding turnaround situation and I don’t believe Weis has the temperament or the patience to make it happen.   They will be an improved offensive team this year with nowhere to go but up.   However, Kansas continues to be the doormat of the Big 12.   One notch above Iowa State and Texas Tech.  Prediction: 4-8.   But, it could be worse if the Jayhawks don’t come out hitting the non-conference games with precision.   It will be tough to do with a new coach, and a new system.   No bowl game. 

4.       Kansas State – These Cats Have Nine Lives.  Grandpa Bill Snyder, who turns 73 this year with his second stint, is back in the saddle and calling the shots in Manhattan, KS.   Kansas State finished 2^nd in the Big 12 last year under Snyder and was projected in the bottom half.  Kansas State was one of the big surprises of the conference last year, but don’t expect them to sneak up on anyone this year.   They are projected by some experts to be top 5 in the Big 12.   It will be difficult to repeat the performance from last year.   But The Cats return their skill players and Bill Snyder as head coach which is good for another bowl of canned kitty food.   Prediction:   They are bowl bound with 7-8 win season.    Even with good talent, this maybe a difficult year.   They have a lot of game @ the big boys.   Unless the pygmies sprinkle magic fairy dust, no way they repeat with a 10-win season even with great talent.   The schedule is stacked against them.  Mid- Level Bowl game.

5.       Oklahoma – “O – U – Again”.   Oklahoma is stacked like a Playboy centerfold, but not nearly as bitchy and outspoken as Texas.   They will very likely win the conference.  Landry Jones, the Heisman Trophy candidate, returns for his senior season at Quarterback; therefore the Sooners will be blowing across the mid and lower plains with little effort.   They are easily a top 5 team in the country, currently ranked #4.   As long as they stay healthy, OU could be in the running for a National Championship.   However, last year Oklahoma started the season with a #1 National Ranking and folded mid-season to Texas Tech and Baylor.   I don’t expect Head Coach Bob Stoops to allow that to happen this year.  Oklahoma plays in a top 4 bowl, very possibly for the National Championship.

6.       Oklahoma State – Not As Big Of Guns, but Stillwater Loaded.  The Cowboys of Stillwater will have a very difficult time repeating their 12-1 season in which they won the Big 12 in 2011.   They lose their starting QB and standout receiver Justin Blackmon.   They will be difficult to replace, but Head Coach Mike Gundy looks to have this team on the right track.   I would predict a nice 8-4 or 9-3.  Their schedule is very favorable this year.   Big Time Bowl Game

7.       Texas – Hey Look At ME.   No longer the bully of the Big 12, at least on the field.   Texas was 5-8 in 2010 missing a bowl game and 8-5 in 2011.   An 8-game win season in Austin is considered a big time failure or the look of a runway model covered with acne, and chocolate chip hips.   Although Texas has as much talent in the stable and money in the coffers as any team in the country, they face a schedule that is criss-crossed like a state fair quilt.   They start with 3 gimmies, into a bye and then face OSU on the road, WVU Home, and OU home.   If they get through that stretch intact they face the lower half teams in the Big 12 to only end with TCU at home and KSU on the road.  I predict Texas is 8-5 again this year and head coach Mack Brown has to load up the Mack Truck.  Bowl Game and New Coach.

8.       TCU – Horned UP over TCU. The Horned Frogs join The Big 12 Conference for the first year after joining the Big East and leaving before even playing a game.   TCU has built a strong program and owned the Mountain West.   However, this isn’t Kansas anymore.   The first part of TCU’s schedule is favorable with 5 of the first 7 games in the Dallas Fort Worth area and another game being held in Waco, Texas.   But, the second half of their season could be brutal:  OSU (a), WVU (a), KSU (h), Texas (a - crosstown), Oklahoma (h).   TCU has a talented program, but they haven’t experienced the depth of talent in the Big 12 and we’ll see how the second half of the season wears on them.   TCU comes out of the chute ranked #20.   They could see a see a nice 9-3 season or 7-5 season.   Time will tell how durable their team will be.   I suggest closer to 8-4 until they have gam-eplanned against all new teams never faced before in the Big 12 for a few years to regain their confidence.   Bowl Game

9.       Texas Tech – Lubbock or Leave it.   Second year head coach Tommy Tuberville missed a bowl game last year.   Typically coaches get a 4-year try to work their recruiting classes through their system; however this is a pivotal year for The Red Raiders.   Their schedule starts off with some creamy soft serve but mid-season is murderous.    Tuberville is facing a number of off-field issues which won’t help the coach or the team.   I predict Texas Tech is no better than 5-7 a far cry from an 11-1 season in 2008.   At the end of the season, Texas Tech is shopping for a new cut of beef.   No Bowl Game.

10.   West Virginia – Them Hills are Filled with Gold and Blue.   The Mountaineers join the Big 12 for their freshman season.    WVU begins the season ranked #11 with a Heisman Trophy Candidate Quarterback  Geno Smith.  West Virginia will be a high scoring threat this year and be a good fit with the high octane offenses of the Big 12.   However, defensively the Mountaineers will be challenged to hold the Big 12 offenses under 30 a game.   Prediction:  WVU ends up 7-5 or 8-4 in regular season play if they stay healthy against teams used to playing with deeper rosters of talent and week in/week out challenging match ups.   Prediction: WVU comes out with a strong showing in the Big 12, finishes in the Top 20 and captures a solid Bowl Bid, but not #2 as some project.