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.)