ISU Commissioner: How Big is This Game?

The Oklahoma State game this weekend might be the defining game for the Cyclones this year. Possibly the biggest game for Campbell and his legacy, so far. It has the feel of T-Intersection Sign, and we are approaching at 90 plus miles an hour in the family sedan. Hold on, I think someone just offered me a beer from the back, hang on I think we can make it this is going to be fun.

If ISU can win against a 6-0 Oklahoma State team that is currently raked #8 in the country, Iowa State jumps right back into the conversation surrounding The Big 12 Championship discussion. Iowa State would still have an opportunity to capitalize on the most talented team top to bottom that Iowa State has seen - ever. Iowa State could still benefit and jump back into the Top 20 and some national exposure on the recruiting front, that has fallen off the cliff since the Baylor loss. This is the type of program defining win that long term football programs are built upon.

If Iowa State beats Ok. State the myth around Campbell lead teams in October continues to build. It becomes more of Campbells legacy, which feels more good than bad.

If Iowa State loses at home to a team they are favored to beat from a Vegas perspective, what does it do for the rest of Iowa State's Season? Is the bubble popped and 2021 becomes a major bust season? The Cyclone Cynicism from a fan pessimism goes back to what we have been - couch centered cy-bird TV fans? If ISU loses the Clone fan pessimism will run at a higher than a COVID temperature, pre-vaccine.

If Iowa State loses to Ok. State, does Campbell become the best we had, but still couldn't get it done? Does Campbell decide this was a fun stepping stone and it is time to look for greener pastures, particularly with conference realignment a major recruiting topic?

How does the Cyclone team respond to a Cyclone loss? The team too could go one of two ways. If they win out it is still a good season, with a nice bowl possibility. But, I think that is unlikely - Oklahoma looks electric with their new Freshman QB Caleb Williams. Williams wins a Heisman, mark it in the books - he looks as electric as Kyler Murray and has as good an arm as Baker Mayfield's (both won Heisman's). If the team loses do they throw up their hands and wait for a tow truck, while pondering how mom and dad are going to react to wrecking the family truckster?

Either way: win or lose - there are already a number of head coach openings at some major Blue Chip schools, like USC and LSU. Campbell may not be the best fit for these openings, but James Franklin current Head Coach of Penn State has been mentioned as a target in both these searches. Campbell could be a fine fit and major target at Penn State, and more dominoes could fall. Yet, since the Baylor loss Campbell's name has not been thrown around so freely. But, make no mistake he is still on radar.

Tune in Saturday. I hope this become a celebration like the one when Iowa State knocked off #2 Oklahoma State at home in 2011. Here is the highlight clip for some well needed big time mojo.