CYCLONES WIN! CYCLONES WIN!

I can’t believe it!

CYCLONES WIN!

This is what was heard over the air waves in Ames, Iowa last year in November when the Cyclones of Iowa State beat Big-Eight powerhouse Nebraska 19-10 in a game that most Cyclone fans won’t forget.

This year the Cyclones are the favorite, at least for Thursday night’s game against the Huskies, and hopefully we’ll see the under-“dogs” pull off an upset.

The Cyclones are coming off a 4-7-0 year where they tied for sixth in the Big-Eight. Not too impressive, considering they beat No. 14 Nebraska, who ended up dropping the Orange Bowl 27-14 to second ranked Florida State.

The Cyclones are not expected to do much damage in the Big-Eight this year and are ranked in the 63rd in Sports Illustrated’s pre-season rankings of all 106 Division I-A football teams.

The Cyclones may be starting out in the bottom half of the barrel, but they are still 20 spots ahead of the Huskies.

With the scoring potential of the offense which holds the number two returning rusher in the nation, and a quarterback with a cannon and improved accuracy, it is hard to believe that the Huskies are starting off ranked 87th.

Rankings are not what the Huskies are concerned about, at least for the time being. What they are concerned about is the ability to execute against Iowa State on Thursday night.

Since this is the first game of the season, no one knows exactly what to expect from the Huskies offensively or defensively.

“Certainly LeShon Johnson will be carrying the ball,” head coach Charlie Sadler said. “We plan on establishing the fact that we have a very solid passing game. By doing this, I think it will set the stage for the rest of the season”.

Sadler also said that by proving their ability to throw the ball, their opponents will realize they can’t try to stop them with a nine-man front on every play.

All the Huskie opponents know about LeShon Johnson, and know the best way to stop him is to stop him on the line. Johnson is known for his acceleration, and big runs are bound to come along.

Huskie opponents are not sure on Crabtree’s ability to throw the ball and will probably not concentrate on the passing game. If Crabtree throws the ball well, the defense would open up giving Johnson more room to break away.

Defensively the Huskies are strong and their only goal is to give 100 percent on every play.

“Other than Johnson, we have enough tools and weapons on this team to win a football game,” Sadler said.

The pressure will still be on Johnson, but Sadler is bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve to help beat the Cyclones on Thursday night.