By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams
Happy Monday Cyclone Nation.
Got your bags packed for the big city yet?
That’s where I’ll start this week’s musings…
ON IOWA STATE FOOTBALL
— As I wrote yesterday, New York City isn’t the most convenient location for a bowl game but when you’re 6-6, you kind of have to take what you can get, you know? While the trip will be a difficult one for some fans to make, I really feel like this experience will be second to none for Paul Rhoads and his players. Just imagine all of the once in a lifetime experiences that these young men will be able to live in New York City over New Years?
I talked to five or six different players last night during a media function and the guys seemed genuinely excited about invading NYC. Most have never been to New York. That’s exciting for them.
— Most of you know this but here’s a reminder anyway. If you plan on going to the Pinstripe Bowl, purchase your tickets from Iowa State. It’s important that Iowa State gets credit for you making the trip. It will save the university money and make Iowa State look better at the same time. You want to really help the program? Even if you can’t make the trip, you can consider purchasing tickets as a donation.
— This doesn’t have anything to do with Iowa State specifically, but I need to get it off of my chest.
I won’t lie. In the past, I’ve always been one of those guys who never really had a problem with the BCS. I LOVE bowl games. New Orleans Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Alamo Bowl, etc. It doesn’t matter. I love them.
I’ve never really been a passionate defender of the current bowl system, but I’ve never had much of a problem with it either.
Having said all of that, yesterday’s events changed me.
Watching Kansas State and the Big 12 (which is obviously the best or second best conference in college football, however you view it) get picked over by the irrelevant ACC (and the Big Ten as well) is nothing short of a joke.
Because of this, I’m ready to take my chips and cash out with this current bowl system. It was fun boys, but I’m done. I am no longer a believer.
It’s time to try something different.
Adios.
— If Oklahoma State and Oklahoma’s current positions were flip-flopped, would Alabama still be playing for a national title?
— Last week, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy made some comments alluding to the fact that Alabama deserved to play for a championship ahead of his Cowboys. While Gundy is without a doubt one of my favorites in the game, sometimes you just need to keep your mouth shut coach.
— If I had a Heisman vote, it would vote for Baylor’s quarterback Robert Griffin III without thinking twice.
ON IOWA STATE BASKETBALL
— I didn’t really understand the meltdown on our forums after Saturday’s men’s basketball loss to Michigan. Other than a dreadful shooting performance, I don’t think that the Cyclones played that badly.
Iowa State out-rebounded the Wolverines. Turnovers were equal. Defense wasn’t that bad.
The Cyclones just couldn’t make a shot.
Problem is, these hot and cold shooting performances are starting to get a bit frustrating.
The best way to cure this issue? Develop a consistent inside game. Get Royce White more touches in the paint. If that happens, the shooters will start seeing better looks and Iowa State can win some basketball games.
It’s that simple right?
— If that Cyclones don’t snap out of this funk on Tuesday against lowly Prairie View A&M, we might have a problem on our hands. Prairie View A&M is current 2-6 on the season. Baylor beat them by a 90-54 final on Nov. 29.
RANDOMS
— Here’s a shout out to the Iowa State volleyball team for sweeping both of its first and second round opponents (Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Miami) in the NCAA Tournament. Next up is a road trip to Minneapolis where the 4th-seeded Cyclones will play 13th-seeded Minnesota on Friday. DETAILS HERE.
— To whomever the Cyclone Fanatic was who went into the Furry Friends Animal Refuge in West Des Moines and adopted a homeless cat last week, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. People like you make this world a better place. My wife and I were thrilled that reaching out to folks on CycloneFanatic.com is actually working in our hopes to give homeless animals in Des Moines good homes. Thanks again.
If you would like to look into adopting a homeless animal from the Furry Friends Animal Refuge in West Des Moines, CLICK HERE for more information.
