Optimism. By Webster’s definition it is the belief that good ultimately prevails over evil. In the case of the ISU Cyclones, it is the belief that this year is finally the year that over 20 seasons of bowl frustration will come to an end. But with that hope there also must be some understanding. Understanding by the fans that things don’t come easy in college football, especially in the Big 12. If the good (Cyclones) are to prevail over evil (other teams) then they are going to have to do it one game at a time. This is something that is generally hard for the fans to understand. Not that they are misinformed or dumb, just anxious. Fans often have the whole season planned out in advance. As soon as the schedule comes out, they look at it to find the pivotal games that will make or break the upcoming season. This isn’t necessarily a bad strategy. In fact, for teams such as Nebraska or Florida State it is fine. Anything less than a national title is unacceptable there. But this is Iowa State, and the 2000 team isn’t a national title contender, but they could be a very good team. Last year they showed that they were more than capable of pulling off an upset, it just never quite happened. So when you look at the schedule don’t go any further than the Ohio game. A lot of people seem to think that the Baylor game is the big one. If the Cyclones win they will be 4-0 and off to an undefeated start in the Big 12. Hold on. How did the Cyclones get to be 4-0? There had to be three games before that. And all of those games will represent challenges. Ohio will be coming to Ames for the fifth time and looking for its first win here. In 1995, Troy Davis lit up the Bobcats for 291 yards and the Cyclones used a 24 point fourth quarter to win 36-21. Ohio will be looking for revenge on a team that doesn’t feature number 28. Not to mention that Ohio played a tough schedule last year and are more than physically ready for the challenge. Then there is UNLV. Last year in Vegas, the Rebels were blanked by the Cyclones 24-0. Darren Davis had 208 yards and the defense played hard as nails in the teams first road shutout in 21 years. And in ’95, big brother Troy rushed for 302 yards in a Cyclone win. It is safe to say that UNLV will be coming to Jack Trice looking to return the favor this year on a team minus the Davis brothers. Next is the Iowa game. Really this rivalry needs no introduction to Cyclone fans. The Hawkeyes simply aren’t pleased with the losing streak they have now against ISU, and they will try to end it in Iowa City this year. So let’s not worry about Baylor or Nebraska or Kansas or what bowl game we could be in until the time comes. Let’s be like the team and take this one game at a time, starting with Ohio. And if there is a loss that may be hard to swallow, don’t boo. Support the team. If they are going to beat high ranked teams they will need crowd support. Dan McCarney especially needs support. People think that he needs to be fired, that he isn’t the answer or that he has done nothing since he has been here. Well if you think that the Jim Walden led the Cyclones’ of ’94 could have played four quarters with K-State or Texas, be reminded that is the year the Cyclones lost to UNI. So it appears there is a chance. McCarney has his best defense since he came here, and the offense is led by a solid quarterback, Sage Rosenfels and a bulky offensive line and a good bunch of receivers. There is still a search for a scoring threat at running back, and it appears that Ennis Haywood is ready to answer the call. The players want to win and are ready to work for it. Over 100 players stayed in Ames this summer to lift weights, run and get in good shape for the 2000 season. The will is there, and where there is a will there is a way. So let’s enjoy the season with the players, one game at a time.