Iowa State Football

Not to be out-strategized by Texas politicians , two U.S. Senators from the state of Iowa decided to put forth a bi-partisan effort to investigate the intentions of college football expansion. 

With major war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one of the biggest ecological disasters in the history of the planet still transpiring in the Gulf of Mexico, Senator Charles Grassley (R, IA) and Senator Tom Harkin (D, IA) thought that their efforts were best served by asking Big Ten Conference officials to disclose their expansion plans and release financial information about the league's cable television network.

Like Sherlock Holmes and his trusted sidekick Watson, Grassley and Harkin are on a mission to solve the riddle of how one of their beloved state universities, Iowa State, almost wound up without a conference.

In a letter to Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany dated June 10, 2010, the two politicians expressed concern that the Big Ten's possible expansion appeared "to be designed not to further the charitable operation of the Big Ten."

Rather it appears that invitations are being extended because of the major media markets where they are situated. Thus the invitations to join the Big Ten seem to be extended for the sole purpose of enhancing the financial bottom line that television contracts, marketing, and promotional activities will bring member institutions."  

It's important to note that the population of Nebraska (1.7 million) is roughly half the size of Iowa's 3.1 million people. That's not exactly a major media market.

Of course, their letter was written a day before the Big Ten announced that the University of Nebraska was seeking to join the conference.  

It was written during the turmoil of the college football expansion chaos, when several notable schools were about to be left without a conference to call home, and on the same day the two legislators were contacted by Iowa State President Gregory Geoffroy.

Rumors of this letter began to surface on June 11, 2010, but the letter was not confirmed until two weeks later. 

My efforts to confirm the letter's existence with Senator Grassley's office on June 11 were never responded to.

In their letter, the senators asked for "all copies of any proposed expansion, merger, or consolidation plans the Conference has considered, developed, requested, or otherwise discussed and explain how the Conference decided on what schools to invite" to prove the Big Ten was not seeking expansion for the wrong reasons. 

Grassley's office confirmed that they sent a letter to every conference.  Grassley and Harkin warned officials that the establishment of super conferences could be at odds with their nonprofit status. They also demanded a halt to the conference's expansion efforts until their questions were answered.

"[We] ask for immediate response to these questions.  If you are not able to respond to these questions before Nebraska's vote tomorrow, we ask that you delay the expansion efforts of the Conference until you have responded in full to this important inquiry."

This comes as a surprise, considering Senator Harkin went on record the day after the letter was sent to the Big Ten stating that he was unsure if Congress sould get involved.

"I just don’t know if this is a proper place for Congress to get involved in this unless there’s something dealing with antitrust or something like that," Harkin said on June 11, 2010.

Grassley is the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, and oversees several tax-exempt organizations. Harkin is a former graduate of Iowa State. Harkin's wife is a member of the Iowa Board of Regents.

Big Ten Associate Commissioner Scott Chipman confirmed that the conference received the letter. 

"The conference has followed up with the senators' respective staffs," Chipman explained . "We have no other comment at this time."

The never-ending saga of the college football conference Armageddon seems to have potential implications at every turn.

Some schools might have more implications than others.

For the Iowa Hawkeyes, one possible side-effect of the chaos is a new border rival with Nebraska's addition to the Big Ten. Iowa and Nebraska had a small rivalry going back in the 1930s and 1940s that briefly heated up again in the '80s, and could develop into something now that the Huskers are on their way to the conference.

Another side-effect for Iowa could be the demise of the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry.

The Hawkeyes and Cyclones have played 57 times since their first game in 1894, with Iowa leading the series overall 38-19. The series had a break in the action between 1935 to 1977, but has been thriving ever since.

As noted by the Cedar Rapids Gazette 's Marc Morehouse, University of Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta recently mentioned that the football contract between the Iowa and Iowa State has a contingency in the event of conference schedule changes.

Schedule changes for both schools now seem as likely as death and taxes at this point.

The Big Ten will soon have 12 teams competing in the conference, and schools could have to drop a non-conference game to accommodate their schedules.

Barta currently anticipates that things will remain unchanged with the in-state rivalry, as it's not only good for the state of Iowa, but for college athletics on a whole. An evaporation of the Big 12 could change his anticipation, though. 

With the Huskers and Colorado Buffaloes both departing for greener pastures, and news from OrangeBloods.com that Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma are likely heading west to the Pac-10, the Big 12 evaporation seems as probable as Lindsay Lohan taking a trip to rehab in the near future. 

If the Big 12 breaks up and Iowa State is forced to find a new conference, the rivalry could be on hold indefinitely, especially if ISU doesn't get picked up by a BCS conference.

Playing a Cyclone team that's not participating in a BCS conference could affect Iowa’s strength of schedule, a deciding factor in major bowl games. Iowa would then have more to lose from the rivalry games against Iowa State than they would to gain.

Many Hawkeye fans favor the idea of ditching the Cyclone rivalry for a Husker one. Hawkeye Nation 's Jon Miller thinks that "over time, the Iowa-Nebraska game would mean more annually to Iowa fans than the Iowa-Iowa State game."

As Iowa's athletic director reminds, this kind of analysis might be putting the cart before the horse.

Still, it helps to prove that we've only just begun to scratch the surface of effects of the impending seismic conference shifts.

If your team is lucky enough to be one of the favorites for conference expansion in the Big Ten or Pac-10 (and possibly in future months in the ACC and SEC) then the back-and-forth discussions over the past six months have been exciting.

Now, if your team is on the outside looking in, the conference discussion has been frustrating and scary. That's why speculation has been all over the place, and also why so many are trying to play out every scenario.

The news today is that Nebraska is going to take the offer from the Big Ten and become the 12th member. Does the Big Ten stop there? Not if Notre Dame decides to join. Then Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany must figure out if he'll add Rutgers and stop at 14 or go all in and bring in two more and go all super conference on us.

Orangebloods.com is also reporting that Missouri, once considered a no-brainer for the Big Ten, may be the odd program out of the expansion plan.

So does this mean the Big 12 is kaput?

Probably. And Texas has found a nifty way to make it all appear to be Nebraska's fault.

The Longhorns, who have been manipulating the entire process by sitting back and taking calls from the Big Ten, SEC, and Pac-10, told Nebraska to commit to the Big 12 or the conference is dead.

Nice manners, babe.

So let's see if we have this right: The Cornhuskers and Bo Pelini look like they'll be playing in the Big Ten real soon. Now we wait on Notre Dame to see how the rest of Delany's plan unfolds.

It also appears very likely that Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Colorado will end the Big 12 officially as each heads to the Pac-10.

Sorry, Baylor. That was a nice try by the state legislators to put pressure on UT to include you in the package, but Colorado appears ready to accept the bid and close the door.

What remains of the Big 12 (and that could include Mizzou) will be searching for a home. Depending on what happens with the Big East (poached or not) there could be a home for some. However, the Big East's future isn't much better than the Big 12 right now.

At least one fanbase is making a pitch...no matter how unlikely it is. A group of Iowa State fans have put up a Web site called isutobig10.com.

A little late, but nice try.

Sorry, but Iowa State is no Nebraska. Heck, the Cyclones are no Rutgers.

Tom Perry is a VIP columnist on the Fan Broadcast Network and the editor of the blog Eye And Eer.

The Cyclones made a huge jump in wins in Paul Rhoads first year at the helm. They defeated Minnesota in the Insight Bowl and had a huge Big 12 win at Nebraska. Now the key for the Cyclones is building of the success.

They return a lot of their talent especially on offense. So here is a position by position breakdown.

Quarterback: Austen Arnaud (pictured) returns at QB. He was inconsistent but has shown over the past couple years that he can be a very good quarterback and seems poised to make that next step. Jerome Tiller has proven he is a capable replacement if something should happen to Arnaud. He led them to the win against Nebraska.

Running Back: Alexander Robinson proved this year that he is one of the top backs in the Big 12. He and Arnaud made the zone read play a science this year. Bo Williams will be his primary back up next year. Jeremiah Schwartz has said he will transfer.

Wide Receivers/Tight End: With the the spread offense receivers are very important. Jake Williams and Darius Darks will be the top returning players. The question is who will emerge as the 3rd and 4th options. Sedrick Johnson has the potential to be a star for them, so he is a candidate for that 3rd spot. Josh Lenz  is another possibility. Collin Franklin is a proven tight end.

O-Line: Reggie Stephens will be missed but they return a lot to a group that improved a lot this year. Kelechi Osemele will be the left tackle. Alex Alvarez will be the left guard in all likelihood. Ben Lamaak will be the right guard. Scott Haughton returns at right tackle. Center is the question mark. Sean Smith was the back up this year, but Alvarez has experience there too so he could play there and have someone else play guard. This will be the biggest offensive question.

D-Line: This group loses Nate Frere and Chris Lyle. They will be missed, but they return some capable players. Austin Albertis and Bailey Johnson return with lots of defensive tackle experience. Patrick Neal will be one of the ends. The other spot will probably be Roosevelt Maggitt but Cleyon Lang is also in the mix. 

Linebackers: This is a huge question mark. They lose Fred Garrin, Josh Raven, and Jesse Smith. Smith was the heart and soul of the team last year. It will be wide open in the offseason but the leaders now are. Jake Knott at the Will LB spot. Jacob Lattimer at Sam LB. And in the middle A.J. Klein. 

Secondary: Lose Kenard Banks and James Smith, but they return a strong core. David Sims will be counted on to lead the defense after a superb year at free safety. Michael O'Connell has lots of experience at strong safety. Leonard Johnson must bounce back after a little bit of a sophomore slump last year. He is their top corner. Terran Benton is an experienced and talented corner on the other side. Depth at corner is a concern but O'Connell is capable of being the nickel back if needed.

Special Teams: Grant Mahoney returns at kicker. All the returners return with Leonard Johnson, David Sims, and Josh Lenz. Punter needs filled with the absence of Mike Brandtner.

Summary: The Cyclones seem prepared to build on their success. Nebraska looks good in the Big 12 North but other than that nothing looks too great so the Cyclones should be right up near the top of the division.

Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads isn't known for holding his emotions back.

The now-infamous YouTube video of his post-Nebraska game celebration is proof enough of that.  In the video, he tells his players with an intense emotion just how proud of them he is.

After his Cyclones defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the 2009 Insight Bowl, his pride was clearly on display for the world to see again.

"I'm proud to lead this program and this team in whatever we do, whether it is a community service project, or through a practice or winning a Bowl game," Rhoads expressed in his post game press conference.  "But you don't do that without the kids believing and being all in and going out there and accomplishing all the goals and expectations that we set."

Rhoads has every right to be proud.  Iowa State finished off the 2009 season with a 14-13 win over Minnesota, its first post-season game since the 2005 Houston Bowl and its first bowl win since 2004. 

ISU was a paltry 2-7 all-time in bowl games before Thursday night's game in Tempe.

The win helped solidify that Rhoads is the great fit for Iowa State.  He looks to turn this year's modest success into long-term prosperity in Ames.

"By finishing with a winning record and you go into the off-season with a program that certainly is on its way," Rhoads stated at the press conference.

Rhoads was also quick to throw in a reminder for everyone in attendance.  "By the way, this 2009 Iowa State winning football team never had a losing record."

That is an important reminder, as the Cyclones bring back most of their offensive starters for the 2010 season.

"When we start our workouts in January, our guys will report to work.  The program has credibility based on what we've done thus far, what we set out to do and what we've  accomplished.   And I certainly owe that to all the kids in this program and embracing what we set out to do and doing it day after day after day."

Rhoads came into a down Cyclone football program and fired it up with some much needed inspiration. He ended an ugly 10-game overall losing streak and snapped the nation's-worst 17-game road losing streak. 

He gave Iowa State fans their first winning since since 2005 and even beat Nebraska in Lincoln for the first time since 1977.

"It's overwhelming," said the first-year head coach. "I'm proud to lead this program."

It's safe to say that Cyclone Nation is proud to have him as head coach as well.

Ambien is one of the most common sleeping medications prescribed to patients in the United States. 

It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and some brain disorders. Its hypnotic effects kick in quickly, causing patients to fall asleep within twenty minutes. 

But who needs Ambien when the Insight Bowl can put someone to sleep in twelve minutes?

Watching a pair of 6-6 teams that rank no higher than 80th in most offensive categories is enough to quickly knock out a 300 pound UFC fighter on a 4-day meth binge.

With a 14-13 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Insight Bowl on Thursday night, the Iowa State Cyclones recorded their first winning season since 2005. 

Roughly 45,000 people attended this game. While the Iowa State side of Sun Devil Stadium is rumored have consumed all of the stadium's beer, most non-Cyclone fans were in a boredom-induced comatose by halftime.

ESPN's Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg may have said it best when he tweeted, "Minnesota and Iowa State are setting back offensive football a few decades today."  He wasn't alone in his tweets, either.

"Whoever turns it over last wins insight bowl," typed Sport Illustrated 's Stewart Mandel.

Fans got in on the tweets, too.  "This Insight Bowl is one of the worst one-point games ever," tweeted @oopspow .

That's no sarcastic joke, either. The two teams combined for six turnovers, with Iowa State quarterback Austin Arnaud accounting for four of those himself. 

The Cyclones also committed eight penalties and gave up 434 yards to Minnesota. 

Of course, the Gophers opted to not to do much with that yardage. Minnesota had seven drives reach Iowa State territory, yet only scored a touchdown and two field goals.

The sad thing about it is that this game was what most people were expecting from the announcement of the selections. 

Almost every preview of this year's Insight Bowl pointed to the likely low-scoring outcome. No writer, blogger, or fanatic tweeter thought this game was going to be that entertaining.

So why did the Insight Bowl select two offensively anemic teams from the Midwest with 6-6 records to invite to this year's bowl?  Was there no other, possibly stronger match-up available?  Does anyone really get excited to watch a team that hasn't scored an offensive touchdown since November 7? 

That may be the case in this year's bloated bowl schedule, where teams are allowed to come out of a bowl game with a losing record.

Next year brings hope back to the Insight Bowl, though, as they will be getting a much more desirable match-up by bringing in the No. 4 team in the Big 12 and either the Big Ten's fourth or fifth best team.

Until then, doctors around the country can save their sleeping disorder patients some money by prescribing a few minutes in front of a television with the 2009 Insight Bowl on.

By the end of the first quarter, the patient will be in a coma.

Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads, quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson sat down with reporters after Monday's practice to answer a few bowl-related questions.

It appears the Cyclones are making the most of their trip. 

Head Coach Paul Rhoads answered questions first.

About any trick plays in the plan for Insight Bowl

"There  will  be  some  trick  stuff  because  you  always  have  something  up  your  sleeve  every  game.  In  the  bowl game that will be the case. There will also be new stuff they haven’t had a chance to work against." 

Are the players are bored at practice this week

"That’s always a fear. Judging on how they have practiced the past few days I don’t believe that to be true. I think you have to hold some things until this week of practice. If everything down here was repeated, then they think they’re in and they got it and they quit working. Yesterday was the first day we looked at some things. Yesterday was the first day we put some things in offensively. So you have to stay focused or you’re not going to execute it." 

About practice

"I think it was better. My main concern today was that the offense threw the ball better and the timing was better. I think we accomplished that. We had too many balls yesterday that were thrown behind receivers or not in a position to be caught. That was fixed. Two-minute drill was okay from a defensive side, not as good from an offensive side. You have to go into a game counting that it will come down to a two-minute drill."

About trying to beat Minnesota

"As soon as it got solidified that we were indeed playing in a bowl game they knew that there was only one way to prepare, and that was to prepare to win it. Nobody is accepting the fact that we made it this far and we get to go out and ride go-karts, enjoy this warm weather and the great hospitality. Everybody is here to win a game and they have prepared accordingly."

Quarterback Austen Arnaud fielded a few questions, as well.

About finishing the season with a 7-6 record

"Coach Rhoads always talks about that we haven’t had a losing record yet this year. And we don’t plan on doing it any time soon. The thing we are trying to bring home here is to have fun and have some memories. You’re not going to have many good memories with a loss." 

About preparation for the Insight Bowl

"Everyone talks about we haven’t been here before. We’ve been through a routine week practice for a game. We know what we’re doing, so that is going to be a key for us to stay focused and stay locked in."

Running back Alexander Robinson added a few comments, too. 

About distractions this week while preparing for the Insight Bowl

"I don’t think it is really that tough. You try to enjoy that when you’re in that. But Coach Rhoads stresses that once you step through those doors that you have to lock in for three or four hours watching film or working on the practice field, whatever it is. You have to let everything else go. There’s nothing you can do to affect what’s happening outside of that. You have to lock in, so that’s what we have been trying to do." 

About the offense in this week’s practices

"I  think  our  timing  has  gotten  a  little  bit  better.  We’re  getting  back  to  how  we  were  operating  before.  With consecutive practices, you get a little bit better."

The Cyclones seem prepared, but we will find out for sure in a few days.  Iowa State will square off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Tempe on Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. EST.

The weather in Phoenix is a bit cooler than normal right now, but it is highly unlikely anyone from the Iowa State sidelines will complain about it.

The Cyclones traded inches of snow and subzero temps for inches of sand and tons of sun.

Iowa State arrived in Arizona on Thursday morning, and started practice at Desert Mountain High School on Saturday.  Head coach Paul Rhoads greeted the press after team practice yesterday.

About today’s practice: "Coaches  are  set  in  their  ways  and  everything  is  game  week.  Today  is  Monday.  Tomorrow  is  Tuesday. Tuesday’s  preparation  is  awfully  important  to  game  week. 

"We’re  ahead  that  we’ve  already  practiced  against Minnesota. But the players can never believe that you’re done. We’re far from being in that position. You get good exposure back in Ames and then you get back here and it is normal game week."

About the balance between work and fun this week: "One of the things I think you do to balance it is keep you team informed. I think if they are informed about everything that is taking place from the activities to the fun to the curfews to the work, they respond.

"If they know  they  are  going  to  a  dinky  locker  room,  they  are  ready  for  it.  If  they  know  they  are  going  to  be  at  a fabulous practice facility, they are ready for it. With that in mind, I think our overall preparation will reflect that."

About the difference between Big Ten and Big 12 teams: "I  don’t  know  if  there  is  a  set  difference  by  conference  that  way.  Minnesota  is  multi-dimensional  offensively with what they do. We faced other teams that are that way also in our league.

"There are a number of spread teams in that league (Big Ten). The offense wants to score more points than the defense. I think both leagues are physical leagues."

About the geographical rivalry with Minnesota: "I think it is a natural rivalry because the borders connect and the fact that recruiting circles or some of the teams that we play there is carry over. The fact that we don’t play each other year-in and year-out I think separates it a little bit. But I think there is a natural rivalry with the border."

An Insight Bowl win against the Gophers would cap off a great first year as head coach for Rhoads.

Iowa State will square off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Tempe on Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. EST.

Cyclone Nation was excited when their Insight Bowl invitation was announced.

Some might even say surprised. 

The Insight Bowl had the sixth selection of Big 12 bowl teams and opted to take a 6-6 Iowa State team over an 8-4 Missouri team that defeated ISU back in November.  The Cyclones won't complain, as they are set to play in their first bowl game since 2005.

"We are thrilled to death to be playing in a bowl game, to be practicing in December and have the opportunity to play," Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said after receiving the invitation.  Rhoads has every right to be thrilled, taking the Cyclones to a bowl game in his first year as head coach.

Rhoads is in the process of turning around a squad that won just five games in the last two seasons.  And fans seem to be appreciating his effort.  So far, Iowa State fans have purchased over 8,000 tickets to the game and are planning a "spirit rally" at 7 PM Wednesday in Chandler, Ariz.

Earlier this season, Rhoads told the team he expected to win a bowl game.  They seem to be up to the challenge.

Alexander Robinson definitely is.  The Minneapolis-native will be playing against his hometown team and looks to take full advantage of an opponent who gives up over 150 yards rushing a game.

Robinson rushed for 1,058 yards this season and six touchdowns this season and caught 15 passes for 241 yards and three more touchdowns.

The Cyclones will have to shine without one of their defensive stars playing in the game though.  Starting senior defensive back Kennard Banks was suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules and will not play in the bowl game.

Cornerback Ter’ran Benton comes back from an injury though and looks to help fill the hole left by Banks.

Iowa State looks to make the most of what was once considered implausible four months ago.  The bowl appearance is a good start, but everyone in the Cyclone Nation wants an Insight win to cap off their implausible season and send them into next season on the right foot.

The Insight Bowl is Dec. 31 at 6 PM EST in Tempe, Arizona on the field of Sun Devil Stadium.