The Cyclones Are About To Get Cornholed » Brats & Beer

October 5, 2006
posted under: Iowa State football

That most wretched part of the season is finally upon us when the Cylcones get reminded just where they rank in the Big 12 pecking order. Yes, it’s time to play Nebraska. Every year, except for a small number of times that I can count on one hand, ISU and Big Red meet and the ‘Clones get their asses handed to them on a paper plate. It’s the one game that every Cyclone fan fears and dreads most, well except for when ISU plays Texas, Oklahoma, very often Missouri, sometimes Kansas and Kansas State, and the occasional game against Baylor. The difference being that this has been going on a long time; Nebraska leads the series (you can’t even call it a rivalry) 82-16-2.

This year, though, we have a very special treat, because ABC in all it’s infinitesimal wisdom has decided to show the game during prime time, so the whole country (a good chunk of it anyway) will get to see just how unworthy the ‘Clones really are. Ain’t that great? I’m sure, though, this is a very exciting time in Ames, because the team will be playing under the lights, which means Iowa State has to go out and rent said lights. That’s right, Jack Trice Stadium doesn’t even have permanent lights bright enough for TV. How’s that for encouraging? And I’m sure that fact won’t be lost on the broadcast crew.

So what are the ‘Clones up against? The Cornhuskers are scoring 42 points per game and putting up 480 yards per game, the best in the Big 12. On defense, Big Red has given up 15 points per game and allowed 321 yards per game. The Cyclones, meanwhile, are in the bottom half of the league in offense with 24 points per game, and dead last in scoring defense. This is not going to be pretty.

So what’s my forecast for this game? I predict I’ll be going to the movies Saturday night, or maybe watching baseball, anything but watching this trip to the slaughterhouse.