Cheez It Bowl Difference

Clemson had a down year and went 10-3.   Clemson has won 2 National titles in the past 5 years.   Players want to go to Clemson and play for Dabo Swinney (Clemson Head Coach)  so they can win National Championships.   I expected that Clemson would have better talent because of this fact.   However Iowa State played them tight.   The score was 6-3 at halftime, and it was anybody's game at that point.   

There were 2 primary reasons Iowa State lost.   1.  Both teams had an interception.   But the Iowa State Interception was a pick 6, which resulted in a touchdown - The Key Difference.   Iowa State's interception we eventually turned over on downs.   2.  Clemson had 128 yards rushing and Iowa State had 66.  They nearly doubled us on the ground.   I would say we missed our All American Running Back Breece Hall just a touch in the game.   

All and All, I was looking to this game as a barometer of where the program stands.   Clemson has been a consistent BCS playoff team for the past 5 plus years.   We played they tight and hung with one of the very best programs in College football.   We should be proud, this is a better outcome than I expected.   Now it is next man up and on to next year. 

Only Two Time Consensus All Americans

Mark this one up to a little Iowa State Football trivia.  I should have known this.   Both are Running Backs.   Drumroll:  Breece Hall and Troy Davis.   2-Time ISU All Americans

Breece Hall 2020, 2021

Troy Davis 1995, 1996

Is it just me or did they have really huge shoulder pads back in the 90's?   Since there are only 2 Two-Time Consensus All Americans from Iowa State and they were both Running Backs, does that make Iowa State Running Back U (University)? 

Jaguars fire Meyer

The Jacksonville Jaguars fire Urban Meyer.   They just paid him leave after not even completing a full year on the job. Jaguars Fire Urban Meyer  Although Meyer's personality caught up to him in the pros he had a very successful college coaching career.  Meyer had 2 National Championships at Florida and 1 National Championship at Ohio State.   But he never had any experience coaching in the pros, this is credited for part of his downfall at Jacksonville. 

Why do we care Cyclone fans, well Matt Campbell's name has been raised multiple times in the past fewer years concerning open coaching positions.   Including open positions in the NFL.   It is rumored Campbell turned down a 8 year $68.5 million dollar deal.  Campbell Never Offered Lions Job  I have said, many times Matt Campbell may leave but I don't think he will do it for the NFL and I don't think he is a good fit for the NFL.   

This should relieve some of the talk about Campbell leaving Iowa State to take another job in the NFL.  Thank you Urban Meyer, I believe the NFL big wigs will be slow to hire a college coach anytime soon.  Unless, they are some sort of Quarterback whisperer, perhaps like Lincoln Riley.   But, the list of college coaches making the jump to the pros has been a historically short list at best. 

Most Valuable College Football Programs.

I saw this graphic on the Twitter Machine, and it got me to thinking.  Which Conferences have the most teams in the Top 25.  I'm counting the new look SEC and New Look Big 12 i mind, not current affiliation. 

• SEC: 12 teams out of 16 total in conference
• Big 10: 7 teams out of 14 total in conference
• PAC 12: 3 teams out of 12 total in conference
• ACC: 2 teams out of 14 total in conference
• Big 12: 0 (nil) out of 14 total 
• Independent: 1 (Notre Dame- loosely tied to ACC) 

How Many of these schools are located in large Metro areas???  I decided to cut it at top 50 metro areas. 

• Ohio State: Columbus, OH - #14
• USC: Los Angeles - #2
• Washington: Seattle - #18

You could clearly argue some of these schools pull from larger metro areas.  But, I find it interesting that the vast majority of these schools are outside of major metro areas. 

• Texas from Dallas
• Michigan from Detroit
• Georgia from Atlanta
• Penn State from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
• Oregon from Portland and Seattle
• Etc.  

My main point is I believe college sports are separating the haves and the have nots.   I will begin exploring the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, Likeness monies as I look forward to how these issues will continue shape and impact college sports. 

What Just Happened in College Football ???

Something just happened that I believe is a signal and could be a historical few weeks in College Football history.   Three very successful, storied  "Blue Blood" programs lost their head football coaches.  Oklahoma lost Lincoln Riley that moved to USC, Notre Dame lost Brian Kelly that moved to LSU,  and Oregon lost Mario Cristobal that moved to Miami.   Non of these universities is used to losing coaches unless they are the ones asking the coach to move on.   They are the divorcer versus the divorcee.  Brand new territory, by why so many all at once?  Normally one of these moves would be major news for a good decade.   

• Oklahoma: 7 National Championships - last in 2000 Bob Stoops (lost their coach) 
• Notre Dame: 11 National Championships - last 1988 Lou Holtz (lost their coach) 
• Oregon: 0 National Championships, BCS finalist: 2010, 2014 (lost their coach) 
• USC: 6 Unclaimed National Championships
• LSU: 4 National Championships (1958 Paul Dietzel, 2003 Nick Saban, 2007 Les Miles, 2019 Ed Orgeron)
• Miami: 5 National Championships, last 2001 Larry Coker

These coaches are leaving storied programs for two reasons:  The money, and the potential to win National Championships.  I think it is fun to watch some of these so called Big Blue Bloods lose a coach to greener pastures. 

Coaching Changes:   

• Oklahoma Lincoln Riley moves to USC, Oklahoma hire Brent Venables DC Clemson
• Notre Dame, Brian Kelly moves to LSU, Notre Dame hires Marcus Freeman DC Notre Dame 
• Oregon, Mario Cristobal moves to Miami, Oregon hire Dan Lanning DC from Georgia

*** I guess the new flavor of the day is to hire a successful Defensive Coordinator from a top program. 

Brinks Truck Anyone???

Miami Faculty Upset over New Football Coach Contract  Like duh.   I don't understand why there aren't
more State run Universities up in arms.   There were massive budget deficits and cuts across universities due to COVID last year.   But, for some reason the going rate for a new head football coach is somewhere in the $7-10 million for an average duration of 10 years.  These contracts would make Gordon Gekko proud. 

Miami - 10 year/$80 million (not counting buyouts) Mario Cristobal New Contract Miami

Michigan State - 10 year/$95 million Michigan State Contract Extension

LSU - 10 year/$95 million LSU Brian Kelly New Contract

USC - 10 year/$110 million (unconfirmed contract) USC Lincoln Riley Contract

Florida - 7 year/$52 million Billy Napier new contract Florida

Penn State 10 year/$75 million Penn State James Franklin signs extension

Clemson No Offensive or Defensive Coordinators

Clemson out OC and DC  Clemson is in the process of hiring new Offensive and Defensive Coordinators.  This could be really good news for the Cyclones.   Because the Cyclones face off with the Clemson Tigers on December 29th at the Cheez It Bowl.   That give Dabo Swinney just a couple of weeks to hire, train, and show the new coordinators the systems and the personnel groupings.   Or else, our good friend Dabo tries to get through bowl season and figure out the new hire in the new year.   

All and all, I would guess Swinney's plate is a tab bit full; game planning and recruiting new coaches, as well as new football recruits.   I like this problem for them, and I like the impact for the Cyclones.   I'm sure we will only hear about this like a dozen times during the broadcast of the bowl game.   I think I might just go treat myself to a Cheez It 

Cinderella or Champion?

Cincinnati is on the verge of gaining an invitation to the Top 4 College Football Playoff structure.   Why should we care? 

1.  Cinderella programs are the lifeblood and absolute appeal of the NCAA College Basketball tournament.  No college football program since the inception of the Playoff system has allowed a team outside of Power 5 Conferences.   Cincinnati is currently a Group of 5 program and on the brink of breaking the establishment bias.   I think this is good for college football and more than just a fun story.   We'll see if they can compete with the big boys.  Structural change although uncomfortable usually leads to good.

2.  Cincinnati is part of the new look Big 12.   Based on the Current AP Rankings:  NCAA Football Rankings,  The new look Big 12 currently has ranked teams:  #3 Cincinnati, #5 Oklahoma State, #9 Baylor, #12 BYU, and #16 Houston all ranked in the Top 20 (I'm not counting OU - not in new look Big 12).  In addition: Iowa State 7-5, Kansas State 7-5, and West Virginia 6-6 are also bowl eligible.

I would say the new look Big 12 is in good shape.   Although highly debatable, some might argue the new look Big 12 might be in better shape moving forward. 

OU and Notre Dame what's the message?

Brian Kelly leaves Notre Dame for LSU and Lincoln Riley leaves Oklahoma to go to USC.   Did OU and Notre Dame, historic Blue Bloods just turn Red?   

Presumably Lincoln Riley is leaving OU, because Oklahoma is moving to the SEC sometime between now and 2025.   Yes, the SEC has a treasure chest of resources, recruiting, and publicity.   But, I think Riley looked at the terrain and said, I don't want to face Alabama (Auburn is East of Tuscaloosa, and would likely move to the Eastern Division with entrance of OU & UT), LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, and Mississippi State, and Ole Miss every other week - where is the off week.   While going to The PAC 12 at USC you really only have one major "Get Up Game" Oregon every year that you have to prepare for annually.   He said, "sign me up the for the conference I can own much like I did The Big 12 for many years, West Coast here I come.  Load up the truck we are moving to Beverly."   5 Star Back Commits to USC

Brian Kelly became the winningest coach all-time at Notre Dame passing the Legend Knute Rockne this season.   However, Notre Dame is independent - they have NOT won a National Championship since Lou Holts in 1988.   Recruiting to Indiana, recruiting to higher educational standards, and doing it with fewer resources I think got Kelly to thinking.   Kelly's Internal monologue, "Self - I'm 60 its time I get paid, Saban is 70, I can outlast that raisin, I think it might be easier to recruit at LSU and win championship.   Let's see in 2003 Nick Saban did it, in 2007 Les Miles did it, in 2019 did it - at LSU.  Maybe this Notre Dame tradition isn't all it is cracked up to be.   Show me the money - Jerry Maguire style."   

Almost every analyst that I read or listened to had both of these situations totally misjudged.   I think the surprises in College Football are just beginning - I'm expecting a few more this year and it has been fun.  As for OU and Notre Dame perhaps they are the Blue Blood destinations they used to be.   Lou Holtz sounds of on Brian Kelly in the video below.  

Hypocrisy or Mad Crazy ???

Yes it is "Silly Season"

Last year during the Unprecedented COVID year, it seemed that most college athletic programs were cutting athletic budgets, tightening the belt, and cutting non-revenue producing programs like: gymnastics, tennis, swimming, etc.   Across the country athletic departments were projecting shortfalls in budget projections in college athletics.  

10/29/2020: In a statement, the LSU athletic department said it expects to lose $80 million in revenue. As a result, LSU announced department-wide reductions in compensation. Staff earning above $80,000 are subject to a 5% salary decrease in 2021; the athletic department won’t give bonuses to coaches and staff for one year; and LSU will only approve new positions, promotions, salary adjustments and position replacements in "essential situations" through June 30, 2023.   LSU athletics lays off employees

11/31/2021: LSU has hired Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly to fill its vacant position, the school announced Tuesday morning. Kelly's contract will be a 10-year, $95 million deal, plus incentives. It is believed the Tigers shifted to courting Kelly after whiffing on stealing Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, who was instead hired by USC.  LSU hires Kelly

Say what, - what a difference a year make, really?  Is it just me or is the hypocrisy across college football crazy?   I'll review some of the new contracts that stand out, and money being offered.   And one shining star of hope, and a coach that I think should be applauded.  

• Alabama: Nick Saban - 8 year/$84.5 million; Extension; Championships: 7 National 
• Penn State: James Franklin - 10 year/$75 million; Extension Championships: 0
• Michigan State: Mel Tucker - 10 year/$95 million; Extension Championships: 0 
• Texas A&M: Jimbo Fisher - 10 year/$95 million; Extension; Championships: 0
• USC - Lincoln Riley - 10 year/$110 million(undisclosed) New; Championships: 3 conf. 
• LSU - Brian Kelly - 10 year/$100 million New; Championships: Championships: 8 conf. 

How can I sign up for the 10/year 7-10 million/year deal?  I don't have any conference championships either.  

Now for a Ray of Hope: Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh told the "Inside Michigan Football" radio show on Monday night that he plans to donate all his bonus pay for this season back to athletic department employees who took pay cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Harbaugh secured a $500,000 bonus Saturday by clinching an outright Big Ten East title. A victory for Michigan against Iowa in Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game would net Harbaugh a $1 million bonus, and he could be in line for nearly $3.5 million in total bonuses if the Wolverines win the national title. 

Harbaugh Plans to Donate Bonus'

Compare and Contrast with Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz who refused to take a reduction in compensation during the COVID year.  All while the Iowa AD had to disband athletic programs due to a budget shortfall.  We'll see how Karma plays out on Saturday.  You can probably guess, I'll be wearing my Michigan Sweatshirt this coming Saturday. 

This just in - Miami Faculty Mad over Football Coach Contract  I honestly don't understand why there isn't a full on revolt at many of the State Run Universities. 

Notre Dame AD: Swarbrick - Teasing or Torturing ???

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Tuesday he won’t be rushed into finding a replacement for coach Brian Kelly even if the Fighting Irish manage to secure a College Football Playoff berth this weekend.

“Every search process has its own rhythm,” Swarbrick said a few hours after he and Kelly addressed players during a hurriedly called 7 a.m. meeting. “You want to do the best job you can, not the fastest job you can. We’re going to do the best job we can to find the right person to lead Notre Dame.”  Less than 24 hours later Notre Dame Hire Marcus Freeman  Could have a thing or two about the CFP penalizing Notre Dame for its coaching indecisiveness. 

Is Swarbrick playing with us or torturing Iowa State Fans.   Maybe a little of both.   Matt Campbell's name continues to remain at the top of the list of almost every article I read for candidates to replace Brian Kelly at Notre Dame.   I have two quick points. 

1. The longer they take to make the replacement at Notre Dame the better that is for Iowa State fans.   Matt Campbell has certainly gained his share of clout for the coaching job he has done at Iowa State.   But, replacing a coach at Notre Dame is not something they take lightly.   And if there is one thing I know about Catholics - I don't like to skimp the process.   Bow your heads we must pray on this, Amen. 

2. I believe that Luke Fickle, Cincinnati and Marcus Freeman, DC at Notre Dame are the top candidates.   I do believe that Matt Campbell will get a courtesy call, but going 7-5 with the team and the talent level would not instill a lot of confidence in me, if I were an AD at a Blood Blood like Notre Dame.   I believe they would get a fair amount of blow back from the Alumni base for highering a 7-5 guy at The Notre Dame Gold Domers. 

• I believe Luke Fickle is the top candidate and they are waiting to see what happens with him and the Bearcats.   Brian Kelly was also hired away from Cincinnati before coaching The Irish.  Cincy is currently in the CFP but just by the short hairs.   If Cincy falls out of the CFP they could make an argument for Notre Dame being a better chance of winning a National Championship.   If Cincy holds on and gets in the playoff, I think it is more likely for Fickle to stay put, since they will be moving to a new Big 12.  
• Marcus Freeman is the current Defensive Coordinator at Notre Dame and was the assumed interim head coach for the bowl game.  However, there are rumors that Brian Kelly is trying to bring Freeman and Tommy Rees, OC to LSU.   LSU is attempting to make Freeman the highest paid Defensive Coordinator in College Football, my guess is this the kind of head coaching money that Matt Campbell currently makes.   Notre Dame didn't name Freeman interim, because they recognize Kelly is attempting to kidnap the key master.  
• It seems like the analysts predicting potential candidates at the big name programs have mostly been wrong, in particular USC and LSU.  So, I don't know why we would expect this search to follow the path of the leading candidates listed in the sports pages.  Between, Oklahoma and Notre Dame - I'm expecting some new drama and unforeseen surprises. 

Finally, if there is one thing we have learned about the Catholics while handling crisis and controversy - it is that they don't react quickly.   So, this coaching search could drag on well into January.   

*** As a side note:  I am a practicing Catholic, so it is my attempt with this post at a little bit of self-deprecating humor.   I apologize if I have offended anyone with Catholic jabs. 

Why Would Matt Campbell Leave for Notre Dame

Notre Dame Touchdown Jesus

Brian Kelly Head Coach of the Fighting Irish for the last 12 years has accepted the Head Coaching position for The LSU Tigers.   The "Silly Season" has not disappointed, and the dominos keep falling.  Notre Dame is a position that Matt Campbell has said he would be interested in leaving Iowa State over.   

So why should Matt Campbell Stay at Iowa State:

1. Matt Campbell just went 7-5 with a senior laden team.   Arguably the most talented team Iowa State has seen with a number of Preseason All-Americans and a number of kids on distinction award watch for their various positions.   Iowa State's Athletic Director has reminded Campbell that he went 7-5 and no donors, board of directors, President is suggesting that Campbell be removed.   Dan Mullen was fired during his fourth Season after having gone to 3 straight New Years Day bowl games and winning the Eastern Division in 2020.   Tom Herman at Texas was fired last after going 7-3 during a COVID year.   Iowa State will allow you to have a down year, and give you the time to rebuild, next level up teams expect you to win every year - no excuses. 

2. Moving to Notre Dame may require a different type of recruiting.   They don't have all the facilities.  This one of the alleged reasons Kelly entertained the LSU discussion.  They have high academic standards at Notre Dame and it may be tougher to recruit young football players that are more interested in NIL Money and fame to go to Notre Dame

3. The Grass may not be greener.   Yes Notre Dame has won lots of National Championships in Football.   But the last time they won a Championship was under Lou Holtz in 1988, that was over 30 years ago.   Winning a Championship may be a whole lot more challenging in the digital world of 2022 and beyond. 

4. You may not make more money, and possibly a need to take a pay cut.   Based on my quick research before LSU came calling Brian Kelly.    Kelly was earning $1.9 million, while Campbell is making 3.5 give or take.   Campbell is well paid but definitely definitely middle of the pack and not even close to the money that has been handed out over the past few weeks.  I would guess Notre Dame would match Campbell's salary.   But, Lou Holtz has said many time - Notre Dame has a rule that no one can be paid more than the President, and he is a priest that took a vow of poverty. 

Why Would Campbell leave: 

1. Campbell and Iowa State faced Notre Dame in 2019 at the Cheez It Bowl.   Notre Dame won that game 33-9.   The talent gap between the two teams was obvious.   Notre Dame had better talent and the game was never even considered close.   Although, it can be a challenge recruiting at Notre Dame the school and history can still get talent. 

2. Brian Kelly was able to recruit his last two recruiting class were high ranking recruiting classes.   The big question is can Notre Dame keep them after Kelly leaves.   With the transfer portal, it is easier for players to make moves when coaches move on to greener pastures.   Campbell would be walking into a team with talent ready to win, and the falloff would be slight. 

3. Notre Dame is Midwest - Notre Dame is located in Indiana part of the Midwest which is where Campbell is from and it fits his recruiting background and connections.    Campbell would most likely take the majority of his staff just like after leaving Toledo.  They would be able to pick up were Kelly left off. 

4.  History and Fame - Notre Dame is a power house football school.   Notre Dame has 13 National Championships to their credit, which is #4 on the list behind only Alabama in recent history.   Notre Dame is a dream job that would definitely test any football coach in a positive way. 

5. Rivalry with USC - with Lincoln Riley going to USC to become the new head coach, the appeal of Matt Campbell's success against Oklahoma and Lincoln Riley as head coach could be a big feather in his cap.   This could be a big appeal for the Notre Dame Athletic Director, because the USC/Notre Dame rivalry is real and it is big on both sides.   

At the end of the day it is Notre Dame and if you are from the Midwest, you've likely watched and dreamed about playing or coaching at Notre Dame.   If not go watch Rudy.   I just may re-watch it myself, but I'll be crying for a different reason all together.   I may just say a little prayer to Touchdown Jesus today.  

Who Has Had The More Disappointing Season ???

Mack Brown North Carolina Coach

Iowa State was ranked #7 in the nation before a down was played in the preseason poll 2021 NCAA Football Preseason Rank.  There was much discussion about Iowa State potentially becoming a BCS playoff team, due to the senior and experienced talent from the Iowa State Squad.  While #10 North Carolina coached by our good friend Mack Brown former Texas Longhorns coach that won a national championship with Vince Young at Texas in 2005 (over 15 years ago).   North Carolina landed at #10 in the preseason rankings.   Where are we now? 

Currently both squads are 6-5, and unranked.   North Carolina has lost games to two ranked teams #11 Notre Dame and #21 Pitt.  Yet they were able to upset league leading #9 Wake Forest.  Iowa State has lost to ranked #10 Iowa and #13 Oklahoma.  Iowa State also lost to Baylor who has risen to be currently ranked #9.  Iowa State also had their big name upset against #8 Oklahoma State.   Current Rankings:  Current NCAA AP Top 25 Rank 

Both teams have a very similar resume.  It might be fun if we somehow find a way to match up with them in bowl game.  I'm not a North Carolina Tar Heel's fan.   But, if I were I'm guessing I would be feeling the same level of disappointment that I feel with this current Iowa State Team.   Don't get me wrong - I'm an Iowa State fan and I love Matt Campbell, but I can't help but feel major disappointment with the season.   But most of all it leaves me with the feeling for the year of what could have been.  Both schools will begin looking forward to the basketball season, if they haven't already. 

How do you feel about this Cyclone Season, at 7-5 or God Forbid 6-6?    It makes me feel the same way I would if I showed up to a party and they served soup and salad with an assortment of veggie trays for a Thanksgiving Celebration.  It would send me straight to the table with the rocks glasses, and brown liquid.  

Is Matt Campbell a good fit for the next level?

Matt Campbell's name is one of the top names that always gets pushed around concerning big time college football openings and the coaching carousel.   This year there seems to be more coaching openings in the Power 5 conferences and much less patience.   LSU, USC, TCU, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State all have current opening.   Texas Tec and UConn had opening but have already filled those.   I would suspect more openings/firings are coming:  Florida, Texas, Stanford, Duke, Miami (just fired AD), Colorado, and Syracuse are rumored to be on the hot seat.   

I personally don't think Campbell would be wise to move up the ranks right now.   Mostly because of the style of play that he coaches,.   Campbell coaches a ball control/bend but don't break defense.   This means most of his games are close - they could go either way.  His defense has kept him in many games over the past 3 years.  With close games if things don't go your way, you will have unexpected losses, like this year.  Historically his teams get off to a slow start, they tend to get behind in the first half - then make adjustments and somehow squeak out wins in tight contests, or not so much this year.   Acceptable and praised at Iowa State, not so much at big time and big money programs.   Where coaches are expected to win them all.  

Campbell is currently 6-4 at Iowa State.   Any of the jobs that are currently open or likely to come open would not tolerate a 6-4 record with the team, talent, and expectations of this team.   This may cause some big time programs to overlook Campbell.   Texas is currently 4-6, they will have to win their last two games to be bowl eligible.   It would not be a shock to see Texas fire Steve Sarkisian after one year on the job.  James Franklin coach at Penn State was a big target, but his stocked has slipped because his team The Nittany Lions are currently 6-4. 

Campbell may leave at the end of the year, but I believe it would be a bad move for him in the long run.  If Campbell where to leave, I definitely do not think he would go to the pros.  He has no pro experience, and after this year he won't be in the professional conversation.   Campbell is the not likely to take a coaching position in the Big 12.  He has denied looking at the TCU job.   I personally, don't think Campbell would be a good fit for the PAC 12, SEC, or The ACC.   Most of Campbell's recruits and connections lie in the Midwest.  Which leave the Big Ten or Notre Dame as a potential landing spots.  Currently there are no opening in The Big Ten or Notre Dame.   But, hold on to your hats I'm sure that will be some opening coming in The Big Ten as we come closer to year end.  We will wait and see what happens with James Franklin at Penn State after we get past bowl season we'll see if Campbell thinks he is ready for the next level.   Stay tuned.   This year 8-4 or 7-5 may be a blessing for the Cyclones. 

How do you feel ??? What could have been.

The Cyclones are bowl eligible.   They currently sit at 6-4 and have lost 2 of the last 3.  It was fun beating Texas, it always is fun to beat Texas.  Texas has lost 5 in row and it kind of feels like a hollow win.  

If you had asked me if the Cyclones would be 6-4 at this point in the season before we played a game - I would have said, "you are crazy."   I guess I'm the crazy one.   This is going to come across as anti-cyclone, but I have to say this season has been the biggest disappointment for This Cyclone fan since the Gene Chizik era.   

With the talent and upper classmen leadership I expected more this year.   Much more.   #1. I expected a win against Iowa, we lost by 10.   We lost to a good Baylor team by 2 points in 122 heat.   But, I feel like we should have won that game.   West Virginia and Texas Tech on the road losses, I get it.   It is difficult to win in the Big 12 particularly on the Road - see Oklahoma State.   

This season is going to go down as the season that could have been.   We are going to look back and remember a talented team that did not live up to their hype, potential, or talent level.   Remember when there was discussion of Iowa State being in the College Football playoff.   I never believed that hype, but expected much more at this point in the season. 

The most discouraging thing is Campbell could be on the move.   This year more than any other I'm sounding the alarm.   Because of the amount of money that is stake in college football, coaches are losing their jobs quicker and universities are becoming less patient.  This year more than any I can remember there is going to be a big shift in many coaching positions.   Currently, USC, LSU, Washington State, Washington are all looking for new coaches in Power 5 leagues.  Jobs that will likely come open are Florida, and very possibly Texas.   This means coaches that have a high pedigree, and have previous coaching experience at the Power 5 level are going to be getting calls and tempted with big time dollars.   

If Campbell leaves for the money and a bigger conference, school, opportunity - it will make this season sting all that much more.   For this guy there is already a lot of sting.   I said, early in the year after the Iowa game that we could lose 2 more game and go 9-3 (without bowl game) and still be one of our best years ever.   Even if Iowa state wins out and goes 8-4 it feels like a real punch in the gut.   It leaves me feeling like the year of "What Could Have Been."  As a small consolation prize, at least Texas has lost 5 in row - Best of luck in the new conference Horns Down.   

ISU Individual National Football Leaders

 

RUSHING	YDS
1 Kenneth Walker IIIMSU	1,330
2 Lew Nichols IIICMU	1,297
3 Sean TuckerSYR	1,267
4 Tyler AllgeierBYU	1,167
5 Breece HallISU	1,121

***Breece Hall number 5 in the county ahead of Bijon Robinson from Texas who was getting all the headlines earlier in the year. 

SACKS	SACK
1 Felix Anudike-UzomahKSU	11.0
2 Sam WilliamsMISS	10.5
3 Will McDonald IVISU	10.0
3 Javon SolomonTROY	10.0
3 Will Anderson Jr.ALA	10.0

*** Under Rated and Under mentioned Will McDonald is tied for the Third (#3) Sack leader in the country.   All of that while playing in a 3 man Defensive front.   

Texas Tech Look Forward

Texas Tech Ring That Bell

Texas Tech fired their coach earlier this year and they have hired Baylor assistant coach Joey McGuire, who has no previous head coaching experience.  McGuire is said to have deep Texas recruiting ties after winning three Texas high school football championships at Cedar Hill High School.  Sonny Cumbie TTU's Offensive Coordinator will remain as the team's interim head coach throughout the remainder of the season including a possible bowl game.  Texas Tech is currently 5-4, on the season and is still in the hunt for a bowl game.   TTU currently stands at #7 in the Big 12 standings and ISU is listed as #4 in the Big 12 Standing.   Iowa State still has an outside chance of making the Big 12 Championship Game.   So, it feels like Iowa State has a whole lot more at stake with this game than Texas Tech, who is likely looking toward the future. 

Cyclone Shuffle

Offensively: Iowa State ranks #4 in the Big 12 with 3,902 total yards.   And here we go again Texas Tech ranks just on the Cyclones heals at #5 with 3,877 yards.   That's a difference of 25 total yard.   It seems like the Cyclones have been neck and neck with almost every team we have played this year from a Big 12 ranking perspective - Texas Tech is no different.    

Defensively: Iowa State ranks #2 in the Big 12 (thanks to West Virginia), with 2,537 total yards allowed.  Texas Tech is posted as #7 with 3,624 total yards allowed.  Advantage Cyclones. 

Special Teams:  Texas Tech is ranked #9 in The Big 12 and Iowa State is #10 or dead last as they say.   So, if I were to wager to say how this game will go.   It will fall on how frequently Iowa State can score and how often they can stop Texas Tech from scoring on the defensive end.   Pretty obvious, but it falls more on Iowa State's defense than any other part of their game.   

 Erik Ezukanma is a junior wide receiver to keep an eye on for the Red Raider .  Ezukanma is currently ranked as the #4 receiver with 631 total yards in The Big 12.   Xavier Hutchinson for the Cyclones holds the #2 receiving post with 686 total yards.   Colin Schooler, Line Backer is the leading tackler for Texas Tech at the #4 spot in the Big 12 with 69 total tackles 44 of which were solo.    Chadarius Townsend does appear to be a special team kickoff threat.   Townsend has 216 yards on 11 attempts for an average of 19.6 per return.   Can you say kick it into the end zone, or even out of bounds. 

To Infinity and Beyond.

It is Hate Texas week, month, and year.   But, for me hating The Texas Longhorns is much like Toy Story -"To Infinity and Beyond".   Texas and Oklahoma are leaving the Big 12 conference.   And for this guy it can't be soon enough, although I do want them to pay the exit fees and for everything they owe the Big 12.   Why hate Texas, well there aren't enough fingers and toes.   Yet the biggest reason is the Texas sized arrogance.   Even though the Big 12 catered to their every need it was never enough.   Throw in the Texas Longhorn network and the fact that UT wanted it all to themselves and not to make it a Big 12 network, which most surely would have extended the potential reach of the network and revenue generation for each team in the conference.   But, why would we expect Texas to care about anyone other than The University of Texas.  I am going to enjoy watching Texas somehow screw up the SEC Conference just like they did for the Southeastern Conference, and The Big 12.   

Iowa State has defeated the Longhorns the past two seasons, winning 23-21 in Ames in 2019 and 23-20 last year in Austin.  Which means this one sets up to be another close game.   A few plays, "bad calls", or a couple of turnovers can flip this game one way or another. 

Texas is #3 offensively and Iowa State is #6, in the Big 12.   Defensively Iowa State is #3 (last week killed) and Texas is #7.   Rushing is neck and neck, Texas has the edge in receiving.  Overall Iowa State should be able to score, but Texas will too.   Texas has lead the last 3 weeks in a row and folded in the second half to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Baylor - the three toughest teams in the league.   Let's hope that trend continues.   

The difference in this game will likely ride on the running backs.   Bijon Robinson from Texas and Breece hall from Iowa State.   Both backs are neck and neck from a statistical perspective view previous post.   Whichever running back shows and has the better game - their team will likely be the team to win. 

Admittedly after last weekend, I have kind of developed a meh attitude toward the Cyclone season.   My hopes and enthusiasm for this team was as high as it has ever been for an Iowa State team, and yet again I'm somehow crushed.   Like a girl that continually leads you on getting you to believe things have changed.   Although I have been mostly been on with my predictions this year.   I'm too superstitious to make a call on this one.   I'll leave it at this - this will be a close game.   Both teams need this win, both need this win badly.   It took me all week to mourn the West Virginia loss from last week and jump back into writing mode.