Good Cop

By Noah Rohlfing

BOWL SEASON IS BACK. 

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. So many games to fill us all with lots of cheer.

And for the first time since 2012, the Cyclones will be taking part.

Memphis is the opponent. The Tigers are 10-2 with both losses coming to an undefeated UCF team (shouts to Scott Frost). The Tigers boast an electric offense, one that is second in the country in scoring (again behind UCF) and led by Riley Ferguson, a quarterback who plays at 1,000 miles per hour. This offense has scored 66, 70 and 55 points in consecutive games, which is mind-boggling.

That’s a testament to head coach Mike Norvell, who in two years has built an absolute juggernaut on the offense. However, I think he would probably like it better if I just didn’t talk about his defense. 

Iowa State has lost three out of four, with two of those losses coming in controversial fashion. The Cyclones’ defense was fantastic until the final drive against Kansas State, and with two weeks of bowl practices ahead, I expect Jon Heacock’s defense to slow down the Tigers’ attack. By slow down, I mean hold them under 40. 

If they do so, then the Cyclones’ offense can carry them to victory. Kyle Kempt will get one more start, with Allen Lazard and Hakeem Butler likely running free through the Memphis secondary. I’ll say this one more time, though (until next year): GIVE DAVID MONTGOMERY THE BALL. He’s the best player on this offense other than Lazard and he’s bound to make plays.

The Cyclones will be “Walking in Memphis” (with their feet 10 feet off of Beale), and they’ll walk out with a victory over the hometown Tigers.  

Prediction:

ISU 45 | UM 33

Bad Cop

By Garrett Kroeger

IT’S BOWL SEASON PEOPLE. And somehow, some way, Iowa State will be participating in it this year which means, ’tis the season for Cyclone football disappointment.

Historically, Iowa State has been “Turrible” as the great Charles Barkley would say when it comes to bowl games. In the previous 12 bowls the Cyclones have been to, they are 3-9. And I expect them to be 3-10 after this year.

This season, Iowa State is “Walking in Memphis” to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against the Memphis Tigers, which is a good team.

The Tigers are 10-2 with both losses coming to an undefeated UCF team, who was led by some dude name Scott Frost. Memphis has an electric offense, one that is second in the country in scoring just behind UCF. And it is powered by quarterback Riley Ferguson.

Ferguson is a stud. He is 6-foot-4 and has a cannon for an arm. The senior signal caller is even projected to a high third round draft pick. 

On the year, Ferguson has thrown for 3,971 yards, 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 63 percent of his passes. That is some NCAA 14 type numbers. Now, Memphis’ defense is not great. In fact, it is No. 120 in the nation. However, like one wise coach has said, “You just need to score more than the other team,” which the Tigers have proven they can do this year.

Iowa State has lost three out of four. Plus, running back David Montgomery (WHO IS THE CYCLONES BEST PLAYER) was dinged up in the Cyclones’ last regular season. 

So yes, be cheerful fans. Your Iowa State Cyclones are “Walking in Memphis” (with their feet 10 feet off of Beale) riding high on a successful season. However, when this bowl game is all said and done, they’ll be crying in Memphis wishing they should have stayed home like they normally do.

Prediction:

UM 56 | ISU 35