Cyclones show early promise, will smash Hawks

Jayadev Athreya

Despite the fact the Cyclones fell in the first game of the season, there were still many signs that showed this season’s team is better than the last.

I found the defense was especially encouraging, only giving up two scoring drives. And if the offensive line can hold up for two halves of play, this will be a very, very good team. Bandhauer’s performance in the “B-Gun offense” was very impressive while he had some degree of protection. Ed Williams showed his breakaway speed, Darren Davis showcased various amazing moves and Andy Stensrud barreled over a few people in his stint at tight end.

The punting, which has been a plus for ISU in the past few years, continued to be one of the Cyclone’s strengths. Carl Gomez blasted a 56-yard punt and averaged 42 yards despite pooch punting (intentionally punting short to keep the ball out of the end zone) three times. Jamie Kohl’s kicking, which was a bit shaky against Wyoming last season, was anything but shaky as he boomed three kickoffs out of the end zone.

Dustin Avey’s play in the second half was exemplary, as he dragged down Cowboys 15 times. Of course, ideally he wouldn’t be making that many tackles because the line would be making them.

The offensive line played great in the first half but seemed confused in the second by the different blitz tactics. My hat is off to OSU’s defensive coordinator. The Cowboy defensive line had a few problems with Tony Lindsay, but he had a lot of luck in the last possession while running out the clock. He fumbled two times, but the ball bounced back to him off the turf on both occasions, and on the second fumble recovery he ran it up the middle for a first down.

But the ‘Clones still have 10 games remaining, and success is still to come. They will defeat the Cowboys of Laramie, Wyo., by playing a consistent offense and great defensive. Next, they will crush the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis using similar methods. Thus, they will come home with a 2-1 record and the confidence to smash the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I see the game against our much- hated rival going as follows: The game will end in dramatic fashion as the Cyclones, after falling behind 20-7, will pick off a Matt Sherman pass and return it for a touchdown. Todd Bandhauer will find Ty Watley in the end zone for six, and we’ll get the point. And finally, after sending the Hawks three and out, Darren Davis will ignite and shoot across the field for a long touchdown. Final score: ISU 28 Iowa 20.

Now I’ll shift to the NFL and, of course, my Dolphins. Miami started off its season well despite Dan Marino’s poor performance. I saw rookie Jason Taylor make a few spectacular blitzes as Jim Harbaugh and Paul Justin went down again and again. The Packers were unimpressive — but they still beat the Bears. The hated Cowboys played terrific ball and, amazingly enough, so did the Jets. Who would’ve thought?

Our man Troy led the rushing attack for the Saints, and keep your eyes open because he may be seeing a lot more play. Even Danny Wuerfful got into the act by throwing a TD pass in the Saints’ loss to the Rams. The Vikes had a good day, tearing up the Bills, and the ‘Niners had the worst day of all, losing Jerry Rice, Steve Young and the game to Warren Sapp and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That’s all in the fine world of football. See ya later, and Go ‘Clones!


Jayadev Athreya is a sophomore in mathematics from Ames.