It’s close. It’s so close I can taste it. We’re two days away from the Iowa State football team making their 1995 debut. Soon we can all scream in unbridled approval as we witness the rebirth of Cyclone football.

Not only is this a new season for ISU football, it’s one of the most important years in ISU athletics history. It’s a year for change. A year where the Cyclones will be playing to win, instead of playing not to lose. A year where a Cyclone football ticket is actually worth more than the paper it’s printed on. A year where the the marching band and the football team will live in harmony. A year where world peace breaks out. A year where the dolphins are saved.

Whoa! Sorry about that. I got a little carried away again. It’s this whole optimistic vibe that’s running through campus.

I’ll admit that I don’t know about the peace or the dolphins. I’m not even sure about the band. But I am sure that Thursday night will be the biggest Cyclone game in recent memory, so lets make sure we’re all out there to support the ‘Clones.

OK, I’ve done my boosting. Now it’s time for my prediction. Here it is. Cyclones 28, Bobcats 17. Keep in mind that all of my predictions will be completely impartial. Well, maybe not. Who cares! ‘Clones all the way, baby!

To support my prediction, I offer 10 reasons why ISU will soundly defeat the sagging Ohio Bobcats.

First reason: We tied a game last season. They didn’t. Hah! They were the worst team in the country last year. The point that I’m trying to make is that the Bobcats suck. Ohio lost to such Mid-American Conference powerhouses as Toledo, Bowling Green and Akron by a combined score of 87-16. They couldn’t even manage a tie. They’re terrible. Am I getting my message across? Good, then let us move on.

Second reason: ISU has Troy Davis and Ohio doesn’t. Enough said.

Third reason: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The ‘Clones have new uniforms. How can you go wrong with new uniforms?

Fourth reason: The spirit of Jack Trice will guide ISU to victory. You must believe.

Fifth reason: While Ohio will be pumped up, the ‘Clones will be ready to eat somebody’s soul. I have a feeling that this certain somebody will be wearing Ohio green and white. To Ohio players I ask this question: Is a scholarship really worth more than your soul?

Sixth reason: Ohio sucks. I mean it. They’re terrible.

Seventh reason: Jim Walden, for the first time in seven years, will be among the spectators. I’ll guarantee that the classic Walden shuffle pass, on third down and 17, is nothing more than a memory.

Eighth reason: We, as students and fans, will give the Cyclones that 12th player. A packed Cyclone Stadium will provide that extra boost to give the Cyclones their first win of the season.

Ninth reason: I have ten dollars on the game. They’d better win.

10th reason: For heaven’s sake, we’re due. It’s been a long time since fans (those that are of age, of course) have been able to indulge in a little post-game brew in honor of a Cyclone victory.

Make sure you’re ready for Thursday night. Bust open the tailgate. Cook up the brats. Make sure you join your friends, family, prospective female/male partners and even your enemies. Let’s all get along for one night as we celebrate the rebirth of football tradition at ISU. I’ll now conclude my verbal painting with one last comment for the ISU football team. We’re all behind you. Rock and Roll, fellas. Rock and Roll!

Chad Calek is sophomore in journalism from Persia, IA. He is the assistant sports editor of the Daily.