The Cyclones lost this weekend against Texas A&M, 24-21. But those numbers can hardly describe what took place in Saturday’s game. Iowa State played their best game yet since they they beat Nebraska in 1992.

This game was a good example of the strides McCarney has taken in restoring respect in the football program.

There are still some rough edges to work out, though. There is a need for consistency in the defense. The ISU defense was good at holding the line through most of the game, but they had three errors, three BIG errors, each one detrimental to the outcome of the game. The 69 yard punt return in the first quarter by Dante Hall, a 74 yard run by D’Andre Hardeman that put the ball one yard from the end zone, and a 70 yard pass from Branndon Stewart to Albert Connell.

Three big plays kept Texas A&M in the game. Notice ISU’s team never got those kinds of lucky breaks and was still able to keep up with them. Our strong point is also a source of weakness. That would be Troy Davis.

Everybody knows who Troy Davis is, andevery team knows what to do when playing against him, with the exception of Missouri. Texas knew what to do with Davis.

Davis got 130 yards against Texas, which is a very respectable number, since Davis is the first person to get over 100 yards against Texas all year.

Darren Davis also proved his merit in the game, catching Todd Doxzon’s pass in the end zone, making one of the most spectacular plays I have ever witnessed. I would have to say that that play was even more incredible than seeing a Samoan swallow fire.

And a special thank you to Tyrone Watley, for doing all he does. I hope all of you readers are continuing your nightly prayers that Watley will get another year of eligibility.

Even Todd Doxzon boasted a few good moves — passes to Tyrone Watley, a pass to Davis, and a couple runs. But he did have a few bad moves, largely the intentional grounding and his rushing attempt in the last 20 seconds.

I will never forget the last 20 seconds of the game. What were you thinking, Doxzon? Sure, 20 seconds is not a lot of time. Hardly ever can a team score with 20 seconds left in the game, but in that position you have to think about stopping the clock, especially when you don’t have time outs remaining. If no one was open, and everyone is closing in on you, unload that ball at anything, and stop the clock.

But I shouldn’t come down on just Doxzon. McCarney should have went for it at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Fourth down, two yards to go, and what does McCarney do? He has Kohl attempt a 47 yard field goal. There was an audible groan from the stands on seeing that decision.

But anyway, I, for one, feel much better now, letting those frustrations out of my system.

The game was a roller coaster ride that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. This was the game to watch.

Rory James Flaherty is a junior in construction engineering from LeMars.