Kansas Preview.

If we lose, I'll be Puking too

Kansas is not good.   ISU should play Kansas similar to what they did against UNLV.   End of Story.   But, keep you airsickness bag close just in case. 

Looking ahead.   After the Kansas victory this weekend, Iowa State is on bye the following weekend.   Que for some yard work and last minute fall preparations.  Hang those Halloween decorations for the kids and the neighbors. 

After the bye, Iowa State enters a tough October streak of football (at ISU we call it prime time).   First ISU travels to Manhattan, KS to face the K-State Wildcats who is always a thorn in the saddle of the Cyclones.   2nd installment after the bye is a home game against the OK-State Cowboys.   The Cowboys are repeatedly a well coach team and sturdy opponent.  3rd October game IA-State travels to Morgantown, WV to face the Mountaineers - who have played very well this fall.   Final stage of the October test (actually Nov. 6) is our old friend the Texas Longhorns in Ames.  This run of fun has a smell of a loss or possibly 2 thru this stretch.   I know I'm supposed to be an Iowa State homer, but the Cyclones have made me cynical and down right not confident in this squad at all. 

This group of 4 teams has 4 losses total among this foursome.   Texas lost to Arkansas (Top 25), Kansas State lone loss was to OK-State.   West Virginia lost to Maryland 4-0, and Oklahoma 4-0 both teams are Top 25.   Ok-State is 4-0 and co-leader in The Big 12 along with Baylor, and Oklahoma.   This looks to be a pesky foursome with a pack of punch.  

Baylor Loss Blah, Blah, Blah

Not a lot I can say about this loss to Baylor.   It felt like a paper cut covered in lemon juice.   Iowa State had 195 more total yards than Baylor.  The Iowa game Iowa State had 166 more total yards than the Hawkeyes, and lost.   The conclusion is: Iowa State is beating their selves and finding ways to lose.  I know, "Thanks Captain Obvious."

This one was the tale of two halves.   Baylor QB Gerry Bohannon looked like an unstoppable Tom Brady during the first half.  Bohannon had 1 rushing touchdown and 2 passing touchdowns and the score at half was 21-13.  First half was all Mr. Bohannon. Why do we insist on playing from behind.  I wish we could come out of the locker room and training camp without our pants around our ankles. 

Second, half exposed one of the giant holes in the fence of the Iowa State game.   The special teams were anything but special. Insert Dana Carvey, "isn't that special."  As great as Bohannon and the Baylor offense looked in the first half ISU shut them down in the second.   Baylor (Ebner) had 3 kickoff returns for 121, and a touchdown, plus, Ebner had 2 punt returns for 47 yards.   One Ebner punt return was 41 yards that set up a 3 point kick.   The only points scored in the second were off Special teams.    

Iowa State had only 3 penalties and 2 of those were absolutely tick tack calls.  Baylor had 9 penalties for 100 yards.   I expected before hand if Iowa State lost this game it would have been due to turnovers, but it wasn't.   Iowa State has traded in the Dan McCarney Achilles heal of the missed field goals  for the Matt Campbell Achilles heal of special teams returning kicks for touchdowns (shall I mention Louisiana last year).   It felt like we outplayed the Bears, but still lost.   ISU drops from Top 25.  

We got the second highest recruited punter last year, but I'll take Baylor's punter he was a difference maker.  Why did Iowa State keep getting the ball punted 15 yards over our head forcing us to back up from where we were lined up.   Every single punt in the second half forced our return team to field the punt running backward toward our own goal.  Baylor consistently hit booming kicks placing us in poor field position.   In a post game report Tristan Ebner stated that Baylor thought they could exploit our special teams and that was a major difference in the game.  Who else is going to think the same thing. .   

Who is the Power Team in the Big 12 ??

 Two out of Three of The Big 12's ranked teams lost on Saturday. 

1. #14 ISU lost to Baylor in a close one.   31-29 Baylor victorious. 
2.  #25 Kansas State lost to Oklahoma State.   31-20 Ok. State victorious. 

*  It is worth pointing out that both of these loses were on the road.   Iowa State traveled to McLane Stadium in Waco and Kansas State traveled to Boone Pickens stadium in Stillwater.  Bye Bye Top 20 ranking for ISU, bye bye Top 25 Rank for K-State. 

It is notable to say that #4 Oklahoma home won against West Virginia at home in a close one.  Oklahoma won in Norman 16-13.   

This says to me.   Oklahoma is vulnerable.   West Virginia is better than we thought.   Baylor is looking very good, and Oklahoma State is solid like always.   I believe it is going to be a very interesting Big 12 conference, and it is anyone's to win.   

Current standings, in Big 12 Conference. 

1. Baylor: 2-0
2. Oklahoma: 1-0
3. Oklahoma State: 1-0
4. Texas: 1-0

There just isn't a clear cut favorite.   Oklahoma is gifted the top spot because they are Oklahoma and ranked #4.   But, they aren't playing like a Top 5 ranked team.   This is the equivalent of a 50/50 jump ball right now.   

Is Baylor a rivalry game?

What is the Baylor Line? 

The last few games against the Baylor Bears have been very close and we have traded wins favoring the home team.   The last time we traveled to Wacko (Waco), the heat index on the field was hoovering around 122 degrees heat index, it was hotter than a barbeque pit in Southeast Texas mid-summer, .  We all thought it was hot during the Iowa Game at a messily 92-95 degrees.  Not only did the Bears place ISU on the sunniest side of the field where there was no shade, but they also wouldn't allow us to put up tents to stay out of the blaring sun.   These games have been close and scrappy.   I expect much of the same.   This isn't Iowa or Nebraska, but we don't like dem Bears, and dem don't like us none neither (intentional Texas draw).

Let's talk defense first Iowa State and Baylor rank #1 and #2 respectively in Big 12 Defense.   Iowa State has allowed 578 yards for average of 192.7/game.  Baylor has allowed 682 yards for an average of 227.3/game.  The Baylor defense is tighter than bark on a log.  The Bears have allowed 333 yards passing for average of 111/game and 349 yards rushing for an average of 116.3/game, the Bear defense makes a hornet look cuddly.  Iowa State has allowed 430 passing averaging 143.3/game and 148 yards rushing for an average of 49.3 yards per game.  Do wut - ya'll git out?   Nah, you read it right in 3 games (including against the  #5 Iowa Hawkeyes) The Cyclones have kept their opponents to less than 50 yards rushing per game, the Cyclone defense it is finer than creamed corn with a rare T-bone  

Baylor is 3-0 and coming off a nice win against Kansas 45-7.   The Baylor Quarterback is ranked 4th in The Big 12 with 664 yards (he's no RG3) and Brock Purdy, ISU's quarterback is 5th with 625 yards (he is no RG3 either).  Gerry Bohannon, starting QB for Bay-lor (all drawld out)  is a Junior and this is the first year he has started, I think he is still trying to find his identity.  If it is shootout that should favor Iowa State, but we won't. ISU isn't capable of going north of 24-27 points.

The Baylor Bears use a double barreled rushing attack, and they like to pull both triggers.  Abram Smith is ranked 2nd in Big 12 rushing on 47 attempts, 366 yards averaging 7.8 yards per carry and 5 touchdowns.   The 2a back is Trestan Ebner ranked 3rd in The Big 12 rushing.  Ebner has 42 attempts, 316 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry, with no touchdowns.  there is no yellow in the mustard of this Bear rushing attack.  The Heisman candidate Breece Hall Iowa State's lead back currently ranks #8 with 60 carries, 238 yards, and 4 touchdowns.   The first three courses consisted of a possum, armadillo, and some sort of roadkill:  Texas State, Texas Southern, and Kansas - nothing like a Caesar salad, porterhouse and a baked potato: UNI, and Iowa, and UNLV.  

Some interesting stats: Baylor has only been sacked once in the first 3 game, no interceptions on offense, and they average 46.7 points per game.  Thru the first three games The Yogi Bears have a turnover ratio of  +2, that's 2 extra picnic baskets per game.  Iowa State has averaged 27 points per game, has thrown 3 interceptions, and been sacked 3 times (you can figure the average, it is easy math).   The turnover ratio for Iowa State is -2, which is two say ISU is just a couple samitches shy of a picnic.  If you believe in Vegas and the betting line (we should because Vegas was fun), the line is favoring Iowa State at -6.5 points.   

This game might could be a belly bumper, sumo style.   The Bears are fixin' to want to run the ball on offense and create turnovers on defense.   The Cyclones are going to want to use a methodical but balanced attack on offense, and car crushing run defense.  Fax it in folks, this one will be a nail bitter.  Two years ago it was 23-21 Bears victorious in Wacko.  I would anticipate another game of stiff  defense (like a good whiskey, and a Saturday night).   If Baylor wins the turnover battle they win.  Iowa State has been able to overcome poor decisions and turnovers in the past but, not so much this year.   I'm not at all confident about this game, particularly with our turnover history and the lack back breaking rushing production from our running game, it leaves Iowa State with a big hole in the fence and our steers may be on the wrong side. 

Baylor has a pretty cool tradition called the Baylor Line.   And now for the rest of the story this video explains what the Baylor Line is: What is The Baylor Line   Saturday, we all be ready and rarin' to go, until then ya'll come back now ya hear.   Church is dismissed!  

Was it enough: ISU 48 - UNLV 3

How do you like me now?  Iowa State dismantled The UNLV Running Rebels 48-3.   But, was it  enough for your liking.   I was sitting next a negative ninny at the game in Vegas.  This particular person was complaining that Iowa State was not doing enough for a Top 15 ranked team.   I agree and disagree.   

Time to break it down.   Brock Purdy looked good and kind of like his old self.  Purdy was 21/24 with 288 yards passing with 3 touchdowns.   All 3 of the those touchdowns were on a string and the perfect spots.   Having 288 yards against an inferior team is good but not good enough.  However Purdy was very efficient.    This isn't on Purdy as much but, we still haven't pushed the ball down field except for the Charlie Kolar 33 yard break away.  I/m not seeing Professional Purdy numbers and skill. Yet, I like what Purdy was serving up for the most part.  Brock Purdy Grade: A-. 

Breece Hall hit the 100 yard mark for the first time all season.   There were a couple of times Hall looked like he was running with some urgency.   But, for the most part it felt like he was waiting for a hole to open up or running into a clogged drain pipe.  Hall had 21 carries, for 100 yards, and 2 touchdowns.   Negative Ninny was complaining that Hall should have had 200 yards against an inferior team.   Upon this statement I agree.   Hall hasn't looked like he can break off a run of more than a dozen yards this season.   I no longer believe he is a legitimate Heisman candidate, if he is he needs to be able to slice the cheese against weaker opponents, and throw some ham on it.  Breece Hall Grade: B-.   

The defense was outstanding again.   In the first half the Running Rebels had a total of 23 yards and 1, one, uno first downs and that was because Iowa State committed a penalty.   The 4th quarter allowed Iowa State to play some of their younger up and comers.   The Rebs rushing total: 36, Passing: 94 Total: 130 yards for the entire game.   This defense is going to keep us in most of the games, as long as we do not commit turnovers and bear ourselves.  Defense Grade: A.    

Overall grade on Iowa State: B.   I think we looked good.   But, I didn't see total domination.  I feel like we have areas where we are lacking - in particular the break away running game and the push the ball down field break your back long touchdown throws.  To me we feel more like a Top 20 than a Top 15 team right now.  On the upside we are 2-1, and the Team we lost to is a Top 5 team currently.  But, I will say Iowa State traveled well to Las Vegas.  It was estimated that ISU had 30,000 fans in the stadium,  UNLV maybe had 10,000.   It is good to see the support all around for this team. An ISU Home Game in Las Vegas

I'll be previewing the Baylor game later this week.   Last time we played at Baylor they won by a score of 23-21.   This could be a sneaky little test on the road.   

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors ...

Cley Helton former head football coach at USC has been fired.   Naturally, Matt Campbell's name is part of the rumored list of  replacement candidates.  Along with Campbell is Luke Fickell, head coach at Cincinnati, and Bob Stoops.   This opening will likely go to Luke Fickell.   Mike Bohn athletic director of USC hired Luke Fickell for head coaching role at Cincinnati while Bohn was athletic director of Cincy.  

Kansas athletics director Travis Goff says he is keeping all options open.   You can read the article here: Kansas Keeping Options Open   Just when we thought things were stabilizing.  Kansas jumps up and takes the position Texas has vacated.   I know they are proud of their basketball program, but last I heard this realignment stuff is about football.   The Kansas football program has been the doormat of doormat programs for as along as anyone can remember.   Kansas becomes the new Homecoming Queen from a rural small town school. 

PAC-12 has been rumored to have been targeting Houston, and TCU for conference expansion.   This was a surprise to me, I had not read or heard anyone mention either of these programs for expansion with the PAC-12.   The scary part is they have stated that "The PAC-12 would not expand AT THIS TIME".   This was reported by Mac Engel from the Star-Telegram you can read it here:  PAC-12 Considered Houston/TCU  Will this realignment news ever die down.   Nope!!!  Keep your seat belts buckled until the ride comes to a complete stop. 

I heard an enticing rumor that The Big Ten is targeting USC for conference expansion.  USC recently fired their coach, perhaps that is why.   The boosters are definitely pushing for a way to make more cash, and The Big Ten would do that for them. 

Cincy, Houston, and UCF may be coming to the Big 12 sooner rather than later.   They are currently required to provide a 27 month notice to exit the AAC Conference.  Mike Aresco is stating that he is willing to negotiate to allow these teams to leave early, for more money.   

Stay Tuned.    There will be more to come ........

Bowlsby Clown Show on Conference Realignment ???

Bob Bowlsby Big 12 Commissioner comments over the weekend.  

What, What???  We went from being on life support and barely being alive as a conference,  to now we want to take on the football world, with our bare fists.   It looks like the "Bowlsby Clown Show" is back on air.   Perhaps Bowlsby knows something that we don't.  I have a few thoughts on an expanded Big 12 after adding Cincy, UCF, BYU, and Houston.  

• Good - it helps stabilize the conference. 
• Good - it nullifies the affect Texas and Oklahoma will have on the future of the league while we finalize the divorce, and they still live in our house. 
• Good - it provides some leverage, for expanded markets/time zones,  and TV value when negotiations come up in 2024. 
• 
  Bad - this kicks the can down the road.   My projection is The Big 12 is in the same position or worse 10 years from now.  The Big 12's new projected revenue distribution is $25-30 million per school, while current revenue distribution is $38 million per school.   A small haircut, but nothing compared to what we were expecting.   However, the SEC is projecting their new revenue distribution per school to be in the $68 - 70 range, more than double The Big 12.   The SEC becomes the Yankees and The Big 12 becomes The Minnesota Twins (the Twins currently have the longest post season losing streak - 17 in row,  many against the Yankees). 
• Bad - if Bowlsby is accurate in that we may expand to 20 or 20+ teams; either we dilute the revenue share per team, or The SEC is signaling further expansion for a super league, or The Big 12 becomes a second tier conference (Best of The Rest).   My guess is it D - all of the above. 

My prediction for continued conference realignment is one of two scenarios.   1. The SEC continues to add Blue Blood high revenue producing schools to their league and they expand to 20 - 32 teams.   32 would closely mirror the NFL which has been a fairly lucrative Sports League.   2.  The Big Ten and The SEC try to compete in building two competing super leagues.   However, I believe The Big Ten doesn't want to go head to head for two major reasons.   First, The SEC already has 7 out of the top 10 revenue producing schools.  Therefore The Big 10 is trailing with little chance to catch up.   Second reason, is the United State is migrating South and West, which favors The SEC.   The Big Ten is mostly in the Mid West and up North where it is cold comparatively in the Fall.  The Third thing that I believe will happen, and it is only a matter of time.  The PAC 12 and The ACC will lose some of their Blue Bloods and they end up in the same boat as The Big 12.   Possibly then The Big 12 adds some other middle class schools and expands to 20 or 20+ at that time.   

This conference realignment issue is far from over. 

One Gnawing Question.

 After watching the Iowa State v. Iowa Football game, it left me with one gnawing question.  It has really been bugging me all weekend.  If I were forced to choose between rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes and The Taliban.   I would have to say, "Assalam-o-alaikum, Cyclones."  Loosely translated from Pashto (native tongue of The Taliban) - "Peace be un to you, Cyclones!"  

I don't know if you believe in karma, superstition, or shibboleth, by I believe the God's were sending some ominous signals during the first half of the game.   First, s very inebriated young lady threw up 2 rows in back of us, while in the stands.   We watched while the impertinent bile slowly made its way downward from the bleachers toward our feet.   Secondly, there was a low flying pigeon swooping over the crowd that dropped a deposit of Bird gauno onto the guy sitting exactly next to me.   I had to jump out of the way to avoid I missing the attacking bomber (too close for my comfort).  Meanwhile I witnessed a blood bath on the field, and had to admit that the Iowa Hawkeyes were the better team on Saturday.  The god's were angry that day my friends.  

There are a few things I'm thankful for after the Iowa State Loss: 

1. 
   I'm thankful that I don't have to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes Offense all year.   That would be like
   watching a bowl of vanilla ice cream melt on a fall day.   There was absolutely nothing exciting, amusing, or accidentally interesting about that offense. 
2. I'm very appreciative that I have at least 250 miles worth of insulation between my home and all of the crazy Hawk fans.   Hawk fans are like an everlasting episode of Duck Dynasty as crazy football fans.  Fortunately I don't have to watch another Iowa Hawkeye football game all year.  That makes me, "Happy Happy Happy, Jack!"
   
3. We still have Matt Campbell as our Head Coach.   Let me tell you a story about a man named Dan McCarney who was known for beating Iowa, but hardly ever scraped out a conference win.   At the time of McCarney's departure I publicly stated "I would rather lose to Iowa every year and win games in our conference versus the opposite."  I stand by it and I stand by Matt Campbell (Trust The Process).  Winning games in conference = bowl games.  I enjoyed the trophy presentation from the Fiesta Bowl last week. 

One final thought.   This pains me to say, but I truly believe that Phil Parker, Iowa's Defensive Coordinator is one of the most underrated coaches in all of College Football.   I say this and I think we should spread the word so that someone from the SEC, ACC, PAC-12 will come offer him a head coaching position or a much more lucrative defensive coordinator position.    Since 2017 the Iowa Defense has a nations best 70 interceptions, and have held their last 24 opponents to under 25 points.   I think someone in the SEC named LSU, Auburn, Texas A&M or Florida should offer this dude some real cash & exit him from fly over county (the Mid West).   

I'd Rather (Blank) Than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes...

Noon Report: Hog bellies are up 2 pennies.   Soybeans are off a nickle, and the line for the #10 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes versus #9 ranked Iowa State Cyclones Holds at ISU -4.5.  The weather calls for Central Iowa being  hot and humid on Saturday for the 3:30 CDT kickoff.  

The Big 12 has officially offered invitations to join The Big 12 today, for BYU, Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston.   Houston and BYU immediately accepted and set out a press release publicly stating their acceptance.   Cincy, and UCF will follow in kind very soon.   I will have more to say on this later.   It is a positive mover for The Big 12 in the short.   But, I believe there are still many longer term ramifications to follow later.  But, let's celebrate Bob Bowslby made an aggressive move and it helps stabilize the conference for the next few years.   I would submit that the work is just beginning. 

My traditional I'd Rather (blank) Than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeye segment is up next.   It is a Hawk Week Favorite. 

I'd rather root for The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Fred (Benedict) Hoiberg than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather go dressed in drag to church on Sunday than... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather have a shot of Red Devil turpentine than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather be forced to wear a size too small white cheerleader pants for a week than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather join the "Worms are Nutritious" fan club than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather spend a week with the Kardashians than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather admit Ashton Kutcher, and Tom Arnold are good for the state of Iowa than... Lose to Iowa 

I'd rather kiss a Hawk fan than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather become a cat person than ... Lose to Iowa

I'd rather get skunked in the face that ... Lose to Iowa

What does a Hawkeye call a Cyclone when they graduate?   A:  Boss. 

The Current line on the game is Iowa State -4.5 which has gained steam over the week.  That means Iowa State is favored by 4.5.   I won't play the points, but I will take Iowa State for a close win, 3 points or less on Saturday. 

Forever True !!!

#Cyclones #IowaState #ISUFootball #IowaHawks #CycloneFootball #CyHawk

Late Kick Prediction Iowa State over Iowa

Late Kick 10 Iowa v. 9 Iowa State 

Josh Pate Breaks down the Iowa v. Iowa State Game.   I think he does it justice. 

ISU Football Season Tickets

 

Iowa State Football Growth

#Cyclones #IowaState #ISUFootball #IowaHawks #CycloneFootball

I Need a Vaccine for The Bird Flu

So, I'm looking for a Vaccine that works against The Bird Flu, aka Hawk Talk.  It is that time of year when Hawk Fans from all over that stand up and pound their chest and tell us all how great they are.  

Okay okay, yes we have heard that Iowa State hasn't won in the last 5 meetings.   Thanks for reminding us.  You sound like a little toddler that wants to have candy for dinner.   I don't care that you have won the last 5 meetings, no you can't have candy for dinner, instead go drink a fruity craft beer with your pinky extended and act like your are cool. 

Yes, we have heard that our conference (The Big 12)  isn't currently as strong as The Big Ten.   Good for you - you privileged trust fund baby.   Congratulations that you landed in The Big Ten in 1899.   That was incredible foresight and vision to understand how television (didn't exist) and geography would play into the shaping of college sports in the year 2021.   You are awesome.  No really you think you are awesome. 

No turnovers, in the last 5 games between Iowa and Iowa State.   Okay I have to hand it to you for this one Hawk Fan.   This is an incredible stat, and I hate you for it.  Go put on your devil worshiping black costumes, you Godless heathens', it just makes it easier to root against you.  

Of course you will remind us that Iowa is the Hawkeye State.   But, let's review some history you egomaniac self center University of Iowa Fan.  In the early 1830's David Rorer (a judge) was concerned that its regional neighbors would give Iowa an unflattering label.   He thought it better to create its own nickname.   He enlisted James Edwards (a newspaper man) for help. Rorer loved literature and either came up with the nickname from the main character in the novel The Last of The Mohicans or he choose to honor a well-known Iowa Historical figure: Black Hawk, or perhaps both.  This Native American warrior of the Sauk tribe was famous in the Black Hawk War of 1832.  Siding with the British, Black Hawk fought against the U.S. to push Americans settlers away from Sauk territory. Edwards later moved to Burlington, IA and renamed his newspaper The Hawk-Eye.  It is so wonderfully of you Iowa Fan to adopt something that isn't yours or has anything to do with your institution, and rewrite the truth of History.   And the rest of the story, The Hawkeye State has nothing to do with a bird or an institution of higher education, get over yourselves.    Read a book Hawk Fans. 

Yes, I know Hawk Fan thinks Game Day only comes to town when we are playing the Hawkeyes.   I'm aware that you think it is all about you.   Perhaps it could be that it is the best game scheduled this week.   Both teams are ranked Iowa State #10 and Iowa #12 (I know it kills you that we are ranked higher).   It could be that this is high publicized rivalry game.   Or perhaps ESPN just enjoys the tailgating and football environment that The Cyclones have created.   This may surprise you, but it isn't all about you "Hawk Fan".   Get over yourself, you homecoming queen.   It's actually College Ames Day.   Iowa State is the reason that Iowa is even featured on ESPN Ames Day.  Last time ESPN was in Iowa City was in 2006, so you are welcome Hawk Fan.   ESPN has been in Ames 2 out of the past 3 years. 

I guess if I can't get a vaccine.   I'll just have to have a shot. 

Recipe for Muzzled Hawkeye.   Fill glass with any beverage 90 proof or greater, and drink.   Repeat as necessary until Iowa Fan no longer makes sense.  It shouldn't take more than 1 or 2 doses. 

#hatingthehawks #IowaHawkeyes #HawkeyeFootball #HawkHater

Big 12 is Expanding ...

It has been reported that The Big 12 is planning to expand and replace UT and OU with 4 schools: BYU, Cincinnati, UCF (University of Central Florida), and Houston.  This is an interesting wrinkle and some more crazy back office shenanigans.   

Before I get into the expansion discussion, I want to address something I heard on Saturday.   It was suggested that Iowa State needs to go to The Big Ten.  Nice theory, but there hasn't been an invitation.  Iowa State and the rest of the Irate 8 are sitting at home on Prom Night without a date.   No one is calling, and there isn't a life raft coming.   It is time to get over it and move on.  The other Power 5 conferences do not have interest as it stands today.   I will add one disclaimer: if Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan leave The Big Ten that could change the interest in Iowa State and Kansas.  But, until then the best option is to control what you can control and go fill the wholes in your conference.   

First wrinkle: The Big 12 is targeting 3 teams from the AAC (American Athletic Conference).  The AAC currently has 11 teams and if The Big 12 takes Cincy, Houston, and UCF The AAC is down to 8 teams.   to be a legitimate conference you need to have 8 teams.   ESPN holds the TV contract for The AAC and it is rumored that ESPN was behind OU and UT leaving which threatened to blow up the AAC.  Could Bob Bowlsby be on a vengeance to blow up the AAC, intentionally or unintentionally spite ESPN?

Second wrinkle:  The Big 12 left the door open to additional expansion.   If the 4 proposed teams accept, and OU and UT leave, that would leave The Big 12 at 12 teams.   A nice number.   But, SEC = 16, ACC = 15, Big Ten = 14, Pac 12 = 12, Big 12 = 8 or 12 with 4 additions.   Yes the names of the conferences make no sense at all.  Additional expansion could mean The Big 12 lands on 14 or 16.   This definitely leaves the door open for more teams leaving the AAC.   

Third wrinkle: These teams could move quickly.   The AAC requires a 27 month notice from the Grant of Rights conference exit notice.   Which means if the 3 AAC teams give notice they need to do it soon so they are available for the 2024 football season.    Of course there will be negotiations and that timeframe could change, before exit. 

Fourth wrinkle: When we add these 4 teams it extends us from the Central Time zone to covering 3 times zones.    Eastern, Central, and Mountain time zone.  I think this helps The Big 12 and expands our national coverage. 

Jamie Pollard on ISU/Realignment

It was announced that The Big 12 President's are going to meet on Friday to vote on conference expansion.   This buggy is beginning to move downhill and picking up steam. 

5 Reason's ISU Beats Iowa !! !!!

I don't know if you have heard - we have a big game against Iowa on Saturday.   Both teams are ranked in the top 15, and ESPN Game Day is coming to town.   I believe there are many reasons to be optimistic for the Cyclones Saturday.   

1. UNI scored first and ISU fell behind 0-7.   This is Matt Campbell coached team trait.   We have frequently played from behind in the Campbell era.   However, Matt Campbell teams don't panic and find a way to slowly and methodically pick away at the opponent like a Turkey Vulture.   I've heard Turkey Vultures and Cy The Cardinal prefer a good Hawkeye for dinner.  I predict that the Hawkeyes score first and the Cyclones still win the game. 

2. The Iowa State Defense against UNI looked good but not great.   In the first quarter there were three shoe string tackles that if they slipped would have ended in touchdowns but they didn't and Iowa State won the game.   During the final 5 minutes of the game when UNI was forced to push and press, it never felt like we were going to lose the game, and UNI wasn't able to move the ball with any consistency.   In close games and I predict that the Iowa State v. Iowa game will be close, defense plays a big part in the win or loss.   The Iowa State defense comes strong the whole game, for an ISU win.  

3. The Iowa State kicking game looked the best it has ever looked.   Punting, Field Goal Kicking and Kickoff kicking all looked good.   All three of those positions were manned by three different individuals, which also means we have options.   Why do I care about the kicking game.   Well close games are often won and lost by the special teams unit.   Louisiana beat ISU last year when they returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns and Iowa State lost 31-14.  This weekend Notre Dame beat Florida State in Overtime.  Florida State missed their kick and Notre Dame made theirs for the win 41-38 OT.   I predict Iowa State wins with a crucial kick. 

4. Purdy and Hall don't have to look great and/or carry the team.   For once we have enough offensive weapons that we don't need one super star to carry us.   Gone are the days when Troy Davis or Seneca Wallace had to carry us.  Spreading the ball around gives us options and a much deeper playbook.   This favors Iowa State again in close games.   I predict someone not named Purdy, Hall, or Kolar has a big game for the Cyclone win.   

5. Charlie Kolar, sat out during the UNI game, and should be back against the Hawkeyes.   Kolar is a Preseason All American Tight End and he was sorely missed.   There was only one pass to the Tight End position against UNI.  He will be back against the Hawkeyes, and plays a big part in helping the Cyclones secure the win against the Chicken Hawks.   Kolar will help create mismatches that were a big part of the Iowa State Offense late in the year last year. 

***  Even if the Cyclones lose the game on Saturday to Iowa our season is NOT lost.   I'm not saying that Iowa will win, but if they do.  The chance of getting into the BCS championship is definitely Gone, Kaput - forget about it.   But, let's be honest our real shot of getting into the BCS is the same odds as getting struck by lightning during an Iowa State Home Game.   We could lose to Iowa, Oklahoma twice or Iowa, Oklahoma, and someone else and end up 9-3 and still have our best season ever.   So Iowa State needs to play fast aggressive and swing for the fences.   This Commissioner is predicting an Iowa State Win.  The last meeting of the Cy/Hawk series in 2019, Iowa Won 18-17 Iowa State hasn't won since 2014.   But, the last three games have been won by Iowa by a total combined spread of 14 points.   These are close games, and I expect another nail bitter on Saturday.   You heard it here first Iowa State will prevail.   We are basically the same team - ball control and limit turnovers.   But, I give the nod to Iowa State because of our multiple offensive weapons and depth/experience.   

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