It has been about 247 days since Iowa State last played between the white lines. That is 247 days too long. By now, tailgate spots should be reserved, beverages purchased and grills prepped. Anyone who is roasting a whole pig gets added points. But, for those actually attending the game, here are a few things — some obvious and some truly bizarre — to look for.

Jason Berryman

Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be an Illinois State offensive tackle. During his time off, it appears as if Berryman didn’t miss many meals. He is a legitimate 250 pounds, and appears to have all of his quickness back. Tyson Smith led the Cyclones with 5.5 sacks last year — Berryman may pass that in the first quarter.

Bret Meyer

Meyer has emerged as a captain and leader of the offense. He is the first sophomore captain since Dave Brcka in 1997 and the first sophomore quarterback to start a game since Todd Doxson in 1994. I really need to get out more.

Escaping the Maze?

Hiawatha Rutland and Ellis Hobbs became famous for sprinting with reckless abandon through the maze of band and cheerleaders. Both are gone now. I’ve got my money on freshman defensive back James Smith to be the first one to the south end zone. Yeah, I like that pick.

Entry music

Something needs to be done about this. “Jock Jams” was cool at the local skating rink, but it’s 2005. If I hear “2 Unlimited” one more time, I’m going to go Lawrence Phillips on somebody. That’s right, nobody playing pick-up football is safe.

First play

Last year, it was a Meyer completion to James Wright. In 2003, it was a Stevie Hicks run up the middle. 2002 was a Seneca Wallace completed pass to Lane Danielsen. Here are my odds for 2005. Hicks run (2-3), Meyer pass (1-1), Meyer pass to Austin Flynn, who passes to Terrance Highsmith, who passes back to Meyer (134,567-1).

All things running backs

If the Illinois State starting running back sounds familiar, it’s because he is. Brian Thompson played at Iowa State from 2002-03 and scored four touchdowns for the Cyclones. Speaking of running backs, who scored the first rushing touchdown for Iowa State last year? Tony Johnson, the 300-pound freshman fullback. Unfortunately, that was his second-to-last carry for the Cyclones. He disappeared faster than Mary-Kate Olsen at the dinner table.

Night Games

Night games are fun. Iowa State is 7-3 all-time in night-game home openers. Run that piece of trivia by the good-looking girl sitting next to you in Agronomy and she will be all over you in no time.

Excessive Celebration

New to the NCAA rule book is landmark rule 9-2-1-a-1, which eliminates creative end-zone celebrations. No longer can players “excessively pound their chest,” or perform the Hulk Hogan, “hand cupping the ear.” But the biggest disappointment is players can’t pantomime “the firing of a weapon.” I’m not even joking, look it up.

Whatever reason you choose to go to the Jack on Saturday night, be loud and go Cyclones!