Iowa State Cyclones 2006 Football Preview:

Wide Right Again? Wrong

By Big12-Fans Writer Brandon Reese

If someone were to ask me how often I thank my own personal deities I am not an Iowa State Cyclone fan, I would tell them, “Not often enough”. I don’t mean that as a stab at the Silo worshippers or the school, but I can’t imagine losing the division on a routine kick—twice. In back to back seasons. Being in Texas, I don’t know a single Iowa State fan personally, but they would have to be the most bitter of all Big 12 fans. At least Baylor fans expect to lose to everyone in the conference that doesn’t wear maroon.

At a glance, Dan McCarney is a mediocre coach. Since 1995 he’s 52-77. There’s absolutely nothing stellar about that. But since 2000 he’s 39-35. He’s been to five bowl games, had one losing season, and he’s 4-2 against instate rival Iowa. While the rest of the Big 12 North slid into mediocrity over the last half decade, he’s pushed his program up the ladder. Where Iowa State used to be the sure fire dog of the North, now they’re more than competitive. They’re a threat.

Now last year the Clones were a sweetheart favorite to take the North. Kansas State was still slipping. Colorado was awash in scandal. No one knew which way Nebraska was going, and Missouri and Kansas were, at best unpredictable. Which brings me back to my original point: Iowa State has twice missed the big dance for the conference because of a missed field goal to tie the game. And they’ve received practically no coverage for the torture.

This year, they find themselves in the same position. Everyone that doesn’t worship the red N is hoping the Clones can make that field goal and get over the hump. They have every right to feel that way, and they can feel that way for two years. I’ll say that and pound my chest because they have one of the most dangerous skill position combinations in the league. Quarterback Bret Meyer threw for 2,876 yards last season. His favorite target, Todd Blythe returns from a 1,000 yard season and is joined by RJ Sumrall and burner Austin Flynn. Behind Meyer will be 2004 1,000 yard rusher and senior Stevie Hicks at running back. It’s the definition of the three headed dragon offense we all know wins football games. The upside to all this talent could be the offensive line. Tackles Aaron Brant and Scott Fisher can seal the ends for Hicks to get outside. If people can heal up, three more seniors will populate the inside. If not, inexperience will plague the middle of this line. In the end it’s up to Meyer to stand up to the pressure of being a once in a lifetime player at ISU, and keep his head attached when Big 12 defensive linemen make it to his doorstep untouched. If not, all the weapons in the world won’t matter.

The defense for the Clones is severely underrated. In games that didn’t go into overtime, they gave up more than twenty points just once, in a home loss to Baylor. They lose seven starters from that group. It’s unreasonable to think they’ll perform at that level this season, but they should be able to stem enough scoring to let the Cyclones get ahead and apply pressure. The front four should be adequate, with sophomore ends Kurtis Taylor and Nick Frere jockeying for the position opposite senior Shawn Moorehead. Brent Curvey is a taut and rough housing tackle, but who he’ll be paired with is still in the air. At linebacker, Michigan State transfer Tyrone McKenzie is getting plenty of run. From there, it’s all downhill in the middle. The loss of Matt Robertson to illegal supplements turned the strength of a position occupied by a senior and three year letterman into a weakness that will likely be staffed by a freshman or sophomore. The corner positions look to be sturdy, with acclaimed corner DeAndre Jackson needing to make up for the inexperience of wingman Chris Singleton. The safeties are question marks, but there’s plenty of speed to put in there.

Overall, there’s plenty for Silo worshippers to be excited about. The home opener against Toledo will test the young defensive backfield, but a win over Iowa should put this team at 4-0 heading into conference. The South batch they catch this year is brutal with a home tilt against Texas Tech, and road trips to Norman and Austin. They do get the games they need at home with Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri all make the trip to Ames. But Kansas State and Colorado are unknown quantities and both are near the end of the season when those teams should be peaking.

Iowa State has come to expect the bowl over the last couple of years, but this will be one of two times I’ll go out on a limb with my preview. Iowa State won’t make a bowl. Somebody has to occupy the bottom, and there’s just too many parts that can come flying off. The toughest games are on the road and Iowa State does not win games of substance on the road. There’s a better chance than not that they’ll be 3-5 heading into the last four, and confidence will be twirling down the drain. For the sake of the Cyclone fans, I hope I’m wrong, but following this year they’ll yearn for one of those missed field goals.