We are inching closer and closer past fall, which means colorful trees are everywhere. However, the trees are not the only thing red and yellow this week--TCU's opponent also wears these colors. So while you are swigging down a cup of vanilla hazelnut coffee at Einstein’s, take a closer look at the Frogs' best chance to win the rest of the season.
Iowa State University is located in the small, desolate college town of Ames, Iowa, approximately 35 miles North of the capital Des Moines. Established in 1858 as Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, this land grant university has turned into one of the flagships of Iowa. Home to nearly 28,000 corn-fed, field of dreams playing undergrads, Iowa State prides itself on its Veterinary, Science, and Engineering programs. Its’ journalism program is also well known for being one of the first accredited programs in the country. The university also has a very unique foreign exchange program, which assists those in the curriculum with their English skills.
Though the state of Iowa is seen as a run of the mill, melba toast state, ISU has an incredibly impressive list of graduates, which includes a couple Pulitzer Prize winners, businessmen, and athletes. The list includes Wall Street Journal writer Robert Bartley, seductive chocolate maker Russell Stover, Boeing CEO Thornton Wilson, former lifetime backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, and NBA players Jamaal Tinsley, Jeff Hornacek, and Kelvin Cato (who is still getting paid by the Rockets after a decade of retirement).
While their alumni list is quite impressive, their football team has been lackluster and heartbreaking. Four of the Cyclones' losses have come by a touchdown or less, including an absolute screw job thanks to the Big 12 officiating crew where they gave Texas a victory and a glimmer of hope to win the conference (sorry, EVERYONE and their mother is still bitter about that). However, this football team is feisty, and fights for all four quarters. The offense is led by dual threat quarterback Sam Richardson, who has put up fairly decent statistics considering the team’s record. The defense is led by linebacker Jeremiah George. George leads the team in tackles, sacks, interceptions, and pass deflections.
As for this weekend, the Frogs stand a fighting chance. As disappointing as the season has been, the Frogs can turn it around a bit with a win in Ames; however, that will be no easy task as everyone’s favorite angry dad Paul Rhoads will have his Cyclone football team give 110% this week. That being said, let’s hope the Frogs can get a win and salvage the little bit of football left, because basketball season is upon us and man…let’s just not even talk about TCU basketball.
