No 'Magic' Needed, Burgason Booted, Black is Back

By Chris Hassel

No Magic needed at Hilton today --- and I'm sure that was just fine with Iowa State fans. The Cyclones wiped the floor with over-matched Texas A&M, 69-46. Iowa State has outscored A&M 143-96 in two games this season. This is the same A&M team that many picked to win the Big 12.

The Cyclones are now tied for 3rd with Baylor, who Iowa State plays on Monday. The 6th-ranked Bears have lost 2 straight and will likely plummet in Monday's poll. If the Cyclones can find a way to beat Baylor, they would definitely jump into the top-25 (assuming they don't lose to lowly Oklahoma the next weekend). Right now, this team is playing like a 6 or 7 seed in the NCAA tourney. Not only should the Cyclones go to the tournament, they should win a game or two as well.

Ames grad, Jordan Burgason, saw his great college basketball career come to an abrupt end, this weekend. Burgason, who led the nation in 3-point shooting, was kicked off his Lipscomb team, and kicked out of school. According to Lipscomb, he broke unspecified university policies. Here's a look at the Lipscomb Code of Conduct http://bit.ly/wQacdH

Burgason was shooting 53% from 3-pt range.

What in the world has happened to Creighton? After starting the season 21-2, the Jays have lost 3 straight. This February swoon is going to kill them when it comes seeding time.

For the second straight year there will be a girl at state wrestling. Eddyville-Blakesburg's Megan Black once again qualified for the tournament, which begins on Thursday. Casey Herkelman, who became the first girl to win a match at the state wrestling tourney a year ago, did not qualify.

Megan Black will return to Wells Fargo Arena. (dmregister.com)

My Muscatine Muskies won their second straight state title --- in swimming. A title is a title, but c'mon...no one is going to respect my school until it starts winning in football and basketball.

A busy day at the Muscatine Mall.

I'm meeting my sister's boyfriend, tonight. I hope I don't have to hurt him.

Iowa and ISU predictions, Book-reading, Show Choir

By Chris Hassel

I know Iowa can look hideous at times, but that comes with being a really young team. Two steps forward, one step back, is to be expected. Baring some kind of crazy circumstances (transfers, injuries, etc...), this team will be in the tournament in two years, and probably ranked. I feel strongly about that. Call me crazy but I also think Devyn Marble and Aaron White will both play in the NBA. My argument doesn't have much to stand on right now, but I'll let time do the talking. These two are extremely talented. 

Aaron White has game.

Iowa State will be 20-8 overall and 10-5 in the Big 12 before we know it. Outside of a really tough road game at #6 Baylor, the Cyclones have it extremely easy over the next two weeks. ISU hosts A&M, OU, and TTU --- the 3 worst teams in the Big 12. Three teams that Iowa State has already beaten on the road. The question will be how the Cyclones finish. They're at K-State, at #4 Missouri, and home vs. Baylor to close the season. Even with 20 wins, ISU can't afford to lose its final 3 games, and go one-and-done in the Big 12 tourney. This team is clearly in the field as of now (ESPN.com has them as a 9-seed). They'll likely move to a 7 or an 8 over the next two weeks. But the selection committee really stresses finishing strong. The Cyclones probably need to win one more game against a good team (K-State, Baylor, or Missouri). That being said, I think ISU gets in the tourney as an 8 or a 9.

I watched the second episode of 'Luck' on HBO, last night. I hear it's not getting great reviews but I'm starting to get hooked. It's not as good as 'Boardwalk Empire' or 'Game of Thrones', but it has potential. I just don't understand how they film those horse-racing scenes. That has to be extremely challenging.

Speaking of 'Game of Thrones', I'm finally reading the book that goes along with the show. It's probably not a surprise to many that I'm not much of a reader. I've read one book since I was in middle school (no I didn't read any books in high school even when I was supposed to). I finally have motivation to read now that 3 of my friends are reading it as well. One has already read the first 3 books. Another just finished the first book. Another is about where I am, on page 77. The 3 I'm talking about are Andy Fales, Andrew Downs, and photographer Brandon McCauley. I'll let you guess which one has already read 3 of the 5 books.

I went home to visit my family, in Muscatine, Thursday night. My Mom took me to a show choir event that my high school sister was performing in. Has anyone else seen this thing??? It's nuts. I thought it was just going to be singing, but they were ripping heads off of dolls and painting their faces. My sister (Alli) had a pair of solo's that she sang in front of about 200 people. I have no idea how she does it. I'd crumble under the presser. I barley made it through my wedding speech.

Alli is the one with the mic on the bed at the top.

Since I was at the choir event, I had my Dad DVR the Iowa-NW game. This day-in-age it's extremely hard to avoid spoilers. Last night, I thought I had it all figured out. I texted (or is it text'd? or just text?) my wife and told her that if she needed me to get a hold of my Mom or Dad because I was going to turn my phone off to avoid updates. I avoided Twitter, texting, calls...everything --- except an old friend I saw at the event who immediately started talking about how Iowa was playing like garbage. It never fails.

Northwestern Owns Iowa, Bloom Wanted Fame, Can't We All Get Along?

• We knew Iowa would be up and down this basketball season, but wow. The Hawks followed up a two game winning streak with a dismal showing at Northwestern. Northwestern's shooters aren't that wide open during warm-ups.
• According to the BTN, Northwestern has beaten Iowa in basketball four straight times for the first time since 1932.
• No one will be too upset with Iowa raising football ticket prices $2 a game, but it does nothing to quell growing demands for more winning. $388 for a season ticket means a family of four spends $1552 before parking, buying a souvenir, or stopping at the concession stand.
• The "Let's Move" campaign at Wells Fargo Arena looked like fun. Props to all the celebrities for having so much fun on stage, even former Governor Vilsack, who doesn't quite have moves like Jagger. Vilsack did once beat our intern, AJ, at Madden during SoundOFF, so he gets a break.
• Iowa-hater Stephen Bloom sure wanted his 15 minutes of fame.  Infamy will last longer. He sent article in all directions, and tried hard to land television gigs. http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20120209/NEWS01/302090042/Bloom-shopped-Iowa-article-around

Bloom.

• If you have the chance to watch "Namath" on HBO, don't miss this documentary. Joe Namath comes off as a nice guy who enjoyed his fame and fun.

Namath

• I loved Andy Fales' story where he had Democrats and Republicans say something nice about each other---or tried to make them. A few just couldn't do it, which is why the country is divided beyond all reason.

Cyclones Let One Get Away, Ferentz Stays Loyal, Bradying not Tebowing

• Iowa State really missed an opportunity to end the 24 year drought in Stillwater. The Cyclones had too many lapses in defensive intensity.
• A split in Oklahoma is better than ISU has done in more than 15 years, but when OSU is mediocre, and playing in front of a half-empty crowd, Cyclones need to find a way.
• Chris Allen kept Iowa State in the game. He's streaky, but when he's on, look out.
• True freshman Le'Bryan Nash is a game-changer. As in make a shot, swat a shot, change the game.
• Royce White is so much fun to watch. A man that big who passes that well. But until While can consistently make free throws, he's a liability at crunch time.
• You could hear Fred Hoiberg's frustration come over the radio after the game. Hoiberg knows one got away.
• Talking to Larry Eustachy Tuesday, I was reminded how refreshingly candid Eustachy always was. Funny too. It was nice to hear Eustachy is happy and sober at Southern Miss, not to mention 20-3. I was surprised to hear Eustachy say he didn't really enjoy those back-to-back Big 12 championship seasons at Iowa State. He said between the drinking and the pressure, it was all a blur. Cyclone historians know how remarkable those two years were. Eustachy also expressed thanks to Hoiberg for inviting him back, and said the standing ovation he received was his happiest moment at Hilton.

Eustachy at Southern Miss. (Courtesy Commercial Appeal.com)

• Tyler Sash says he now has a key to New York City but not Oskaloosa. Osky, you're on the clock. What up?
• NPR is really introducing a sports segment? Has NPR been watching SoundOFF?
• Many Hawkeye fans are disappointed Kirk Ferentz didn't go outside the current staff for a new defensive coordinator. There's a growing feeling Hawk football has grown stale and needs some new blood and fresh ideas. No one should be surprised Ferentz promoted Phil Parker from within. Ferentz's loyalty is one of his admirable qualities, though critics think it's also a blind spot.
• The Big Ten is not suddenly endorsing the idea of a college football playoff because it's concerned about fans. The Big Ten just learned how much money it made by having a conference championship game and sees an opportunity for even more cash. It's always about the money.
• Bradying is trying to become the new Tebowing, but it's lame.

Bradying. (Courtesy YardBarker.com)

M.I.A. Says Giants #1

Is it really possible Iowa State hasn't won a men's basketball game at Oklahoma State since 1988?

No Super Bowl story has been more blown out of proportion than M.I.A. flipping the bird. If most of us missed it, even though we were watching the halftime show, I doubt it caused any deep scarring.

M.I.A. on right, pre-bird.

Biggest stunner from Super Bowl Sunday: The Voice was the highest rated non-sports event on television in six years. And as predicted, Sunday's game was the most watched television show in United States history.

I still haven't seen Smash. USA Today is the latest to give a rave review. Can I enjoy a show based on the production of a Broadway musical? Skeptical.

Gisele was standing up for her man. I'm sure Tom will call some teammates anyway.

Another win for Lolo Jones. Look out, London.

Courtesy Imagekind.

Super Sunday Scattershots

Super Sunday thoughts:

• NBC's decision to mostly concentrate on football in the pre-game was a good one. Sure, we saw inevitable sponsor plugs and show promotions, but mostly it was Giants vs Patriots, as it should be.
• Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton make a cute couple. Their rendition of America the Beautiful was a little too twangy for my taste, but they can sing, so a good start.
• I thought Kelly Clarkson did an outstanding job with our National Anthem. She was respectful, well-paced, didn't make it about her, and showed off her underrated pipes. Whitney Houston set the bar in 1991. Clarkson was nearly as good, and without the benefit of the patriotic fervor we saw in Tampa in '91.
• It was apparent right away Rob Gronkowski would be a non-factor. He couldn't run or cut, and when healthy this season, Gronk was unstoppable.
• The refs had it right on Tom Brady's intentional grounding, which resulted in a safety, but I was shocked to see it called. Can't remember the last time that happened with a pass thrown deep over the middle.
• The Patriots leading at the half seemed wrong. The Giants had dominated.
• Madonna's halftime show exceeded my low expectations. Expertly staged, perfectly lip-synced, and never dull. I didn't even take it personally when MIA flipped me off.
• More commercials. I found it overall a disappointing offering. I liked M+M's, Mr. Quiggly for Skechers, Clint Eastwood for Chrysler, and NFL.com Evolution. I hated Audi's vampires, Go Daddy, and David Beckham (though my wife didn't seem to mind this one).
• Back to Al and Cris. Al's a pro, and Collinsworth sees things everyone else seems to miss.
• Brady completed 16 straight passes, and it appeared the Patriots would win, but then Justin Tuck slammed Brady, and the quarterback was never quite the same.
• How much would the Patriots like to have that turnover back they sacrificed by having 12 men on the field?
• Eli Manning is not the quarterback his brother Peyton is, but Eli is better at crunch time of big games. He's proven it time-and-time again. Manning to Manningham at the start of the game-winning drive was as good as it gets for a pass and catch.

The Catch. (Courtesy SI)

• Loved Belichick's strategy to let the Giants score. Ahmad Bradshaw tried to stop himself, he couldn't. It wouldn't matter.
• Final two New England drives, and once again, the Patriots failed to make plays. Brady wasn't perfect, but he was let down by his receivers and tight ends several times. Collinsworth said, "Welker makes that catch 100 out of 100 times". Apparently not. Hernandez also drops a pass right in his hands.
• Final play, Brady throws it to the end zone, the Giants bat it down, and Gronkowski nearly scooped it for the greatest play in Super Bowl history. But he didn't.
• Giants made more big plays. Simple as that. 21-17 Giants.
• Another exciting Super bowl. I think we'll find out Monday it was the most watched television program in United States history. Put me down for 112 million people.
• More people call in sick the day after the Super Bowl than any other day of the year.
• Oh yeah. Almost forgot. The world premier of SMASH is Monday.

Let's give a warm welcome back to basketball in Iowa

By Chris Hassel

It's been a long time since we've had a winter like this (and I'm not talking about the weather). Basketball is finally back, and it feels great. Iowa State is on the verge of breaking into the top-25 for the first time in over 6 years. Meanwhile, Iowa is on the verge of getting back to .500 in the Big Ten.

ISU beat Oklahoma, 77-70. Courtesy AP

Let's start with Iowa State. 

Royce White took one shot against Oklahoma, and it was the shot that sealed the win. Actually, it wasn't a shot at all. It was a dunk. The Cyclones beat Oklahoma, 77-70, despite the fact that White scored only 3 points. That may be the most surprising stat of the game, but it wasn't the only crazy stat. Here are a few more:
- Iowa State hit 10 three-pointers in the 1st-half, while making only 3 two-point field goals
- The Cyclones won a game in Oklahoma for the first time since they were members of the Big 8 (and Fred Hoiberg was a freshman with the Pacers)
- ISU has its 3rd Big 12 road win. The most since 2004-05.
- The Clones are 7-3 through their first 10 conference games for the first time since winning the Big 12 title in 2000-01.

At 17-6 overall, the Cyclones are not only closing in on a tournament bid, they're improving their seed with every win. On Tuesday they're at Oklahoma State before coming home for Texas A&M next Saturday.

Onto the Hawkeyes.

As the team honored its past, fans got another glimpse of Iowa's promising future. The Hawkeyes blasted Penn State from the tip in front of the 1986-87 Elite 8 team. The Hawks are now 5-6 in the Big Ten with a very manageable schedule down the stretch. With one more against Penn State and Nebraska, and two games against NW remaining, there's a chance Iowa could finish 9-9 in conference. That would be incredible for a team that hadn't won more than 6 games in any conference season since Steve Alford was in town. If the Hawks play well down the stretch, this team will be playing some post-season basketball.

The Hawks beat Penn State, 77-64. Courtesy dmregister.com

Northern Iowa is having the most disappointing season of any 'Big 4' school, but the Panthers played up to their potential today. UNI upset #13 Creighton on a last-second three by Anthony James. It was interesting to watch Ben Jacobson as the shot went in and the clock ran out. He jumped in the air with a huge grin on his face ---- and then he turned to walk toward losing coach, and best friend, Greg McDermott. His face turned stone cold, almost as if he was embarrassed he was showing so much emotion. It's no secret both Jacobson and McDermott hate playing against one another.

The Super Bowl is tomorrow. I'll take the Patriots in a tight one.

Not My Business, K-O'K OUT, Bachman's Revenge

I know many people are fascinated by Josh Hamilton's relapse, but I don't think it's any of my business. He's a baseball player. It made me feel uncomfortable to see Hamilton have a news conference, which all major sports networks carried live, and watch Hamilton talk about his struggles with sobriety. I hope that it in some way helped Hamilton. He owes me no details. It's his private business. It's not even baseball season...

Many Hawkeye football fans finally get what they want: Ken O'Keefe gone. Iowa confirms O'Keefe is leaving the Hawkeyes. (It should soon be announced O'Keefe's joining Joe Philbin's staff in Miami. The new Dolphins head coach is a former Iowa assistant who worked with O'Keefe.) O'Keefe served as Iowa's offensive coordinator for 13 years. Iowa finished in the top ten four times during that period, but O'Keefe's conservative, predictable play-calling drove many Hawk fans nuts. There's no doubt, O'Keefe ran the offense the way Kirk Ferentz wanted, but it also seems an infusion of fresh energy and new ideas is wanted and welcome...

We had John Bachman on our radio show Friday. I love that guy. John told entertaining stories, and I learned a few things. Rather, I confirmed a few things. That glorious hair is real, John has never tanned, and he can't get enough golf...

Bachman finally beat Round Guy at ping-pong Friday night. Round Guy suggests John can now retire...

Can't wait to see the 86-87 Hawkeye team back together again Saturday. I'm sure it will make many of us realize times flies

I need to go bunker down for Snowmaggedon. Or an inch of snow. Whichever happens...

Super Fan, Costas Tonight, Patriots Hate

Chris Hassel is in Indianapolis. As far as I can tell, he's there to take blurry pictures with his cell phone and post them on the twitter. I did enjoy a shot of the Steak-n-Shake corporate offices. Now open one here, pronto!...

If you enjoy a good interview, "Costas Tonight" is reason alone watch the new NBC Sports Network. Check Costas conversation with Commissioner Roger Goodell. All the right questions, all asked without leading or confrontation...

The Super Bowl pre-game show is underway...

Indianapolis is receiving rave reviews for how it has staged the Super Bowl---and not just from Hassel...

There's a lot of Patriots hate out there...

That's unAmerican.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. I don't care. But I do love any excuse to see one of the rare movies that improves with repeat viewings: Groundhog Day...

Don't drive angry.

Hawks Sweep, Signing Day Yawn, The Help

Nice, needed win for the Hawkeyes. Season felt all but over if Iowa doesn't pull that one out...

Aaron White wants the students in for free every night. Good idea, actually...

Email from a friend of mine who lives in Minnesota, "I have a new appreciation for Hassel's McCaffery impression after watching the game"...

I understand that college football futures are formed on National Signing Day, but I still don't care. I realize many people do, so we cover it...

Many choices.

Kirk Ferentz says he'll talk new defensive coordinator and whatever else anyone wants (Marcus Coker) next week. I have no problem with that. We've waited this long, no need to take spotlight off recruits and their families who are having one of the big days of their lives...

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is live in Indianapolis the rest of the week. Tim Tebow on right now as I type. Fallon has really found his way. The guy is likable and talented...

I'm not sure why it took me so long to see The Help. It's an outstanding movie. Entertaining and important...

The Help

Hilton Magic-WHITEout Version

By Zach Borg

Maybe those who've been here longer and seen more can say something too this, but can anyone remember a stretch of three consecutive home games at Hilton Coliseum like the last three?  Scott Christopherson's buzzer beater against Oklahoma State, the upset of #5 Kansas, and now this from Royce White....

I believe in Hilton Magic.  Put a good team in that building and crazy stuff happens.  The Cyclones were down 14 with 14 minutes to play.  They were getting shoved around and physically dominated.  The game was over.  But as soon as a couple shots started to fall, you could feel things shifting on all sides.  And it did take a little luck, namely a manic scramble for the ball after Chris Babb missed a go-ahead free throw with  22 seconds left that went to ISU.

Courtesy Des Moines Register

What more can you say about Royce White?  The last two weeks have been an awakening.  He's starting to realize his potential and realize that he can physically take over games.  And the guy is brutally honest.  Said it was his first ever game winner.  Said he was praying KSU didn't foul and send him to the line.  I'm a surprised Frank Martin didn't call for foul either.  Rodney McGruder somehow ended up on White and bit on the shot fake.  Martin said after for White not to be shooting free throws "was an absolute joke".

White, like his team, is growing up.  In the last two games he's taken far fewer dumb fouls and has stayed out  of foul trouble.  Some will worry about whether he goes pro after the season.  I don't think he will, he still needs to get better from the free throw line and show more of a game outside of the post.  If he improves that over another year....how will anybody stop him?

White gets the headlines, but it really was a team effort.  Percy Gibson gave the Cyclones a huge lift off the bench.  Chris Allen stepped up after getting called out in the KU game.  Melvin Ejim's terrific defensive play to knock the ball out of the K-State player's hands as he was trying to get upcourt and attempt a tying or winning shot following White's go-ahead hoop.

It would take a total collapse by Iowa State for this team not to be in the NCAA Tournament.  It's far from a perfect team and I think they will have some bad nights yet, but someone please give me a convincing argument as to why, as of right now, this isn't one of the 68 best teams in the country.

It wasn't pretty, but UNI got a win over Southern Illinois.  Anthony James being out certainly hurt, but maybe other guys having to step up in his absence will spark them.  Lord knows they need something.

Welcome to National Signing Day.  Personally-I hate it.  It's fawning over kids who have yet to play a down of college ball.  That scouting services and people make a bundle of money projecting "3-5 stars" and ranking classes is a total joke.  Half of the signees for any school anywhere will get hurt or transfer.  And it takes four or five years to really judge how good a class was based on development.

This year in Iowa Signing Day is really overshadowed.  Up in Iowa City I suppose Kirk Ferentz will talk, but the focus will be far from on his recruiting class.  It'll be the first chance we've had to talk with him since the Insight Bowl and all of the transfers.  Either Ferentz will address it, get peeved and try to avoid it, or altogether duck out of speaking.  It'll be a three ring circus.  Chris Hassel will be up there.

I'll be covering Paul Rhoads and Iowa State.  While I'm sure there is excitement, I'm pretty sure the developments with the basketball team are the foremost thing on most Cyclone fans mind.

White Mitts, Hoge Pick, Lolo Wins

Loved Chris Hassel's story on the size of Royce White's hands. If you missed it, it's worth a watch. You'll find it on the sports page video player...

It was good to see Hilton Magic back for the first time in years Saturday. Hilton Magic is, arguably, Iowa State's top identity nationally...

If Iowa State loses to K-State Tuesday, that win over Kansas will feel less like a springboard...

When Iowa won two straight Big Ten road games, it felt like a corner had been turned. It was fools gold. Iowa is playing such bad defense, the Hawks shot better than 60% at Indiana and still lost by double digits...

Drake is quietly having our state's second best season. The triple overtime win over Wichita State was epic...

Merril Hoge said at the Rally Against Cancer he's not a betting man, but if he were, he'd put 10K on the Giants. That's a Romney-sized bet...

John Bachman is retiring in December. Happy for him. Sad for the rest of us...

Bud Light Platinum has 40% more alcohol. What's the goal here? Never mind...

It was great to see Lolo Jones win for the first time following spinal surgery. Lolo beat a deep field so her confidence should soar as the ramp up to the Olympics begins...

This picture was not taken after the race.

Blake Griffin just threw down a dunk on Kendrick Perkins that may make Perkins retire, relocate, and repent:

Hawkeye Defensive Offensive, Bye Bye Bachman, More Overtime

By Zach Borg

Mind blowing stat of the night-the Iowa Hawkeyes shot 63 percent at Indiana.  They lost 103-89.  Huh?  So much for Fran McCaffery saying they'd emphasize defense after the Nebraska loss.

As I type this I think Cody Zeller just dunked again.

Yep, still dunking.

This may not be a very good good week for Iowa, but for better or worse, this is still a fun team to watch because you never really know what you'll get.  On any given night they can play up or down to their competition.  Nothing should really surprise us with this group, yet almost every game something does.  Either way, it's usually entertaining.

Iowa State's win over Kansas hasn't sold everybody on the Cyclones being a team worthy of a tango in the Big Dance, particularly Doug Gottlieb as one SoundOFF caller noted.  I do think if they selected today ISU would be in.  Their worst loss of the season, at Drake, now looks better with the Bulldogs win over Wichita State and them playing well in a tough Valley.  They don't have any other major slip ups.

However, there's a LONG way to go and a tough road ahead that continues Tuesday with a Kansas State team that has to come in pissed off after an upset loss at OU.  Lose to the Wildcats and its almost back to square one.  Speaking of Oklahoma, don't think the remaining games with the Sooners and Cowboys will be picnics either.  Life on the bubble is always high risk and high reward, though, and ISU has a great chance to pad a resume.  20-21 wins and they are in. 

Kudos to Bill Fennelly.  After the ISU women got off to their worst start ever in Big 12 play in his tenure he's gotten them turned around.  The Cyclones narrowly lost by two at Texas A&M just a few weeks after they played one of the all time clunkers against the Aggies in Hilton.

The first time I ever remember watching a television newscast John Bachman was anchoring.  I grew up watching him and Ed Wilson.  Even when I moved to Denver I never saw anyone in that market who had the same presence on air.  He truly is a family man and loves this community.  I'm sure he'll enjoy more of each when he retires in November.

As I've barely been here a year I can't say I know him nearly as well as Keith or the veterans.  Like a lot of you, he's so personable on air that I felt like I knew him.  Getting the chance to work with him he's just as good a person as I thought he was.  Dan Winters is a phenomenal talent and person and will do a fine job when he takes over beginning in December.  But whether I work four years or forever in this town, John Bachman will always be the standard for what a newsman is, and even though I work in the toy department, an example for me going forward in my career.

The UNI and Drake women played an overtime game at the Knapp Center this afternoon.  It was the fourth overtime in the building in less than 24 hours (including the men's triple OT win vs Wichita State.  The UNI women beat Drake 82-77 in this one), and I was there for all of them.  I'm tired and going to bed now.  Enjoy the Cold Cuts (Montages, not the sandwiches).

The 'Magic' is Back, Colorado State Fan, Ferentz Plunge

By Chris Hassel

The magic is back in Hilton. Iowa State punked Kansas thanks in large part to a raucous crowd, and a great effort on the boards. Royce White stepped up in crunch time AND he actually hit some free throws. I've covered many ISU home games over the past 5 years, and I've never seen them win a big game against a big-time opponent. It's about time.

The last time ISU beat a top-5 team at home, Fred Hoiberg was a player. It was 1995. Iowa State is also the only school in the nation to have top-5 home wins in football and basketball. If you're a great team, stay out of Ames.

ISU finally has a signature victory to put on its tournament resume. At 15-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12, the Cyclones are closing in on an NCAA bid. With 10 games remaining, State can likely clinch a bid by going 5-5. They have another big one on Tuesday against another ranked team from Kansas. Number 22 K-State will be tough to beat. Get another top-25 win and the Cyclones will be ranked come February.

2 Games...2 Courts Stormed!

(NOTE BY ZACH-A great day of hoops continued just south at the Knapp Center where Drake outlasted Wichita State 93-86 in triple overtime.  The Bulldogs have flown under the radar and are not good on the road.  But with Rayvonte Rice, a solid senior in Kurt Alexander, and an emerging star in Ben Simons, the Bulldogs could be a dangerous team at Arch Madness.  Nobody will be looking forward to playing them.


On one day the state of Kansas sent a pair of first place teams to Iowa (Kansas in the Big 12, Wichita in the MVC).  Both left with losses amidst a sea of fans who stormed the court.  Sucks to be in Kansas today I guess.)

The IceBorg is on cloud 9. Not only was he on the court at Hilton (and the Knapp Center), his beloved Colorado State Rams upset 12th ranked San Diego State. The guy talks about CSU non-stop...when there's absolutely nothing to say. He's going to be unbearable to be around.

(Another unwanted note from Zach: It's not my fault you went to something called St. Ambrose, Nancy Boy.)

Google 'Colorado State fan' and this is what comes up.

Northern Iowa continues its slide down the Valley. After a 10-1 start, the Panthers have lost 8 of their last 12 games. Only two teams in the MVC have a worse conference record (Evansville and Indiana State). It's a surprising implosion for a Ben Jacobson coached team.

Kirk Ferentz jumped into a nearly forzen body of water at Riverside Casino today. He did it to raise money for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. Ferentz said he didn't want to do it, but there was no way he could say "no" to the Brand's brothers. By the way, shouldn't the Strength and Conditioning Coach be in better shape than the head coach?

Chris Doyle kind of looks like a Polar bear. (photo courtesy of C-R Gazette)

Husker Dominance, Mel M-I-A, Young men in hats

By Chris Hassel

Hawkeye fans are finding out that Nebraska isn't just a football school. The Huskers are 6-1 against the Hawks since joining the Big Ten. Iowa's only victory is in wrestling (big surprise). Thursday night's loss at home to the last-place Huskers was a huge setback for Fran McCaffery's Hawkeyes. They can make the best teams in the Big Ten look bad, but they can also make the worst teams in the Big Ten look good. 

Husker fans have reason to throw back a few beers.

What in the world happened to Melsahn Basabe? The slumping Sophomore scored just 1 point in 13 minutes, against Nebraska. He was one of the best big men in the Big Ten when he was a Freshman. Now, he's MIA. McCaffery called him out after Thursday's performance. Obviously the coach is running out of ways to try to motivate his struggling player. 

Saturday is a huge day for the Cyclone basketball team. If ISU wants to make a run at the NCAA Tournament, a win over Kansas is almost a must. The Cyclones need a signature win...heck they need a win over KU...period. Iowa State has lost its last 13 meetings with the Jayhawks dating back to a 63-61 overtime win over #2 Kansas, in Lawrence, back in 2005. I think ISU is finally going get over the hump.

Ankeny and Dowling haven't won a girls state basketball title in 6 years, yet the two programs have combined to win 9 of the last 16 4A titles dating back to 1996. That's simply amazing. On Friday night, #4 Ankeny beat Dowling for the second time this season, 40-36.

The IceBorg made fun of my satchel, on Twitter, tonight. He calls it a purse. Others call it a murse. I absolutely love it. Ever since I saw the movie Pursuit of Happiness, I have been in love with satchels. Plus, it was named after one of the greatest baseball players to ever live --- Satchel Paige.

I also want to be a 'Hat-person', but I just don't have the guts. I don't mean baseball hats, I mean fedoras and such. The problem is, when you see a 20-something in an old man's hat, you judge them --- or at least I do. There are some things people my age can't quite pull off. Hats, pocket squares, pipes, 

It just doesn't look right.

I'm not tired of hearing about the Peyton Manning ordeal, unlike most people. At least it's giving football fans something to bridge the gap between Championship Sunday, and the Super Bowl. Pro Bowl? Give me a break.

Big Red, The Grey, Go Green

Bubble burst. Well, NCAA tournament talk for Iowa was mostly premature, and remained unlikely, but with two wins over top 15 teams, and a tough Big Ten, a strong finish for the Hawks made it possible. But you can't lose at home to Nebraska. Cannot. The Huskers aren't good, and that's an ugly loss in late January...

Fran McCaffery called out Melsahn Basabe for lack of effort. McCaffery must feel strongly about it. It's an accusation no player likes, especially in the news. Basabe will either respond or sulk...

Cornhusker fans will really let Iowa fans hear about this new rivalry that's one-sided. And by that, I mean they'll remind Hawk fans Nebraska won the football game...

The Nebraska women's basketball team also beat Iowa Thursday night...

Overheard from a wise mom at the tension packed East-Roosevelt wrestling meet just as the Scarlets and Roughriders started bowing up: "Be the better man. Don't go acting a fool!" Good advice...

It's almost time for Liam Neeson to punch a wolf right in the forehead...

Do not mess with this man.

Steven French at the Iowa Speedway tells me Richard Petty Motorsports will provide a Nationwide team for Des Moines' Michael Annett. Annett has 13 top-ten finishes in the Nationwide Series, which runs twice in Newton this season...

The Barnstormers and Chicago Rush will play an exhibition in Moline February 25th. Once the Super Bowl's done, it's indoor football only for months. Dang...

McDermott McDominant, IceBorg Glacier,

Drake played hard, and played well Wednesday night, but the Bulldogs had no answer for Doug McDermott. Greg's boy is a load. My dad said, "Watch McDermott move without the ball". Exactly. He's always where he should be...

No one turns highlights and interviews around faster than the IceBorg. I don't get it. The guy walks at the pace of a glacier, but he's a lightning strike with video...

I've mentally moved Nebraska into the Big Ten conference in football, but not basketball. It still seems odd Iowa plays Nebraska Thursday night, but at least Iowa will finally play somebody. The last time the Hawks played, George Raveling was wearing a tracksuit...

I still can't find the Longhorn Network...

Tired of SportsCenter? Give NBC Sports Network's SportsTalk a shot. The show is better than the title...

Erin Kiernan and I will host the Rally Against Cancer Saturday night. My late mustache will not make an appearance...

College football could be moving toward a 7-win minimum for bowl appearances, which will mean fewer bowls. That's a good thing. There are far too many. Three of Iowa State past four bowl appearances followed 6-win regular seasons, so this would have an impact. It would also likely make teams schedule even more pre-conference cupcakes, and potentially make both Iowa and ISU re-think the rivalry game, though it's too important to our state to go away...

Love the new Sports Illustrated cover:

I wanted to love Red Tails, it's an amazing true story, but the movie is too corny, cliched, and sanitized. Nothing on the ground feels real. The aerial dogfights are terrific...

I can't wait to see The Grey. I feel sorry for any wolf that crosses Liam Neeson's path...

Shawn Johnson will write about her life, so far, in her June memoir. If I wrote about my life when I was 20, a good title would have been, "I Think I've Got It Figured Out, But I Don't". Or a simpler title would be, "Knucklehead"...

Longhorn Network, Announcer Fail, Game-week

By Chris Hassel

I'm following the Iowa State basketball game on Twitter. This absolutely sucks. I remember when every Iowa and ISU basketball game was televised by a local station. Now, with the Big Ten Network putting a bunch of games on its website, and Mediacom not carrying ESPNU on its regular digital cable package, we're seeing less games than ever. How can this be!?

On the Murph n Andy show, today, Andy said that someone told him 15 years ago that in the future, "Only the rich will be able to attend games. Only the wealthy will be able to watch them. And the rest of us will be S-O-L." That seems to be the direction we're headed. It's January 24, 2012. How bad is it going to be 15 years from now? I'm pining for the good ol' days.

It seems like the Hawkeyes haven't played in weeks. Between the team being off for 9 days, and my week-long trip to Mexico, I haven't seen them play in nearly 3 weeks. Iowa hosts Nebraska on Thursday. That game doesn't excite me in the least. Nebraska is a miserable basketball school. In fact, all you have to do is ask a Nebraska fan about their basketball team, and they'll start bragging about Creighton.

I'm going to the Drake-Creighton game Wednesday night. I'm excited to see Doug McDermott. I hope he puts up 45 in a losing effort.

Right now, everyone in the newsroom is gathered around the TV watching the State of the Union Address. I kind of wish that was on the Longhorn Network.

Prince Fielder just signed a 9-yr, $214 million deal, with  the Tigers. He's reportedly celebrating by taking his entire family out to eat at the best salad bar in Detroit.

This is the most exciting boxing match you will ever see (warning profanity) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InEETt4GNOk

It's Pro Bowl Week!

Paterno Legacy, Cundiff Heartbreak, GOP Ties

Joe Paterno wants to be remembered for all he did do, not what he didn't do. He'll be remembered for both...

Watching Billy Cundiff miss that kick was like watching my son strike out with the bases loaded...

Since my son, Cade, loves the Patriots in the way only an 11-year old can, I thought I'd check to see if  I could afford to take him to the Super Bowl. Uh, no. Average ticket price: $4,183...

Football is, by far, television's top draw...

51% of people watching TV were tuned to the AFC Championship. That's a stunning number considering most people have more than a hundred channels. Then again, do you know anyone who wasn't watching?...

According to the Iowa GOP, both the AFC & NFC Championship games were too close to call. No winners...

Texas reportedly gives Mack Brown a four year contract extension, which pushes the commitment to nine years. If you go 13-12 over two seasons with Texas' unmatched resources, you're fortunate to have a job, let alone an extension. It's good to be Mack Brown...

Iowa State's game at Texas Tuesday is broadcast on the Longhorn Network.  Unfortunately, we don't get the Longhorn Network here in Iowa, why would we? So I called Roger Wallace at the NBC in Austin, Texas to set up a feed. They don't get the Longhorn Network either! Fortunately, Roger will send a photog to the game...

Available nowhere.

I finally watched "Due Date". Robert Downey Jr plays the Steve Martin role, Zach Galifianakas the John Candy. I laughed many times, cringed a few others. Enjoyable, but Downey's path to friendship isn't believable. Worth a viewing as long as you're not out more than $2...

Due Date

Due Date wishes it were Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

Joe Paterno's Legacy, Panther State, Cundiff's Pain

By Zach Borg

There's no right or wrong way to feel about Joe Paterno on the day he passed away.  I do think it's sad that he never did get a chance to try and atone for his failings at Penn State, or for that matter, really tell anyone what he really did know.  It's like Nixon in Watergate, we all want to know exactly what Paterno knew and when he knew it.  Paterno took that to his grave.

Can you totally throw away nearly 60 years of the good Paterno did?  Forget the football games he won, he did have a positive impact on so many more lives than we can ever know.  And he donated and gave more of his time and money to Penn State and furthering education then most anybody in coaching that I've ever heard of.

But how do you reconcile what he didn't do?  As I said, we'll never really know how much of this he was complicit in, but in Paterno's own words, he could have done more.

Does the good outweigh the bad?  What is his legacy?

In the end, I think Paterno's legacy is that he was just as human as you and me.  He did a lot of great works in his life and showed some of the best qualities in humanity.  Yet the man was far from perfect, and in some way, was either corrupted by power or insulated in the world that he had built.  As I saw in one of the comments in the blog last night, it's easy for all of us to show the outrage and say we'd have not made the mistake Paterno made if we were in his shoes.  But good people freeze or fail to act in the face of terrible acts not just in history, but every day.  We'd like to color things black and white, right and wrong, to make ourselves feel better about the way things are.  Most of the time just impossible in this world today.  Paterno was probably a good man who was just as full of flaws and failings as any of us. 

Forget the scores, what a surreal day it had to be for the Iowa women's basketball and wrestling teams to play at State College.  Before the scandal I think it was safe to bet that Penn State would likely have cancelled all events had Paterno passed.  Now it's an awkward mess on all sides.

I'm sure the Paterno family and anyone involved with Penn State really appreciates Jerry Sandusky's "statement" of condolences.  You should really be more worried about mob or prison justice right now Jerry, and this ain't helping.

Back to the toy department.....back to Earth for the Drake Bulldogs, and hopefully back to winning for the Northern Iowa Panthers.   UNI dismantled Drake, snapping the Bulldogs' four game win streak, 66-52 at the McLeod Center.

The Panther Student Section may be the best of the four in the state.  They're in the game from start to finish, and in this game they were in the minority compared to the other fans.  They're also cold.  Chants of "Billy Cundiff" were frequent, and they were ready for Rayvonte Rice.  Prior to the season Rice and Kurt Alexander were both suspending after stealing socks in the offseason.  UNI Students responded by chanting songs about why you shouldn't steal and held up socks during Rice free throws.  Nothing crossed the line in my opinion, just kids being kids, and it adds a little flavor to these games. 

UNI Students and their "Socks"

In what may likely be the final year everybody plays each other for a LONG time, UNI makes it a Panther State in Basketball, sweeping all four games against in-state rivals Drake, Iowa and Iowa State.  It's just the third time in school history that's happened, and if UNI somehow does make the Big Dance, or even the NIT, they'll likely have to credit the sweep.  Especially with Iowa and Iowa State winning that has to be helping the Panthers resume for postseason.  Only problem, as UNI's Seth Tuttle acknowledged after the game, is that the Panthers have almost no margin for error the rest of the way if they are to get in contention for an at-large bid to the Dance.  Best bet is to hope they get hot in Arch Madness ala Indiana State last year.

Good to see Bill Fennelly's Iowa State women finally get rid of the o-fer in Big 12 play against Texas Tech.

Tough day to be a Drake Bulldog.  The basketball defeat is one thing, but to watch football alum Cundiff miss a game tying attempt for the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship against New England was just painful to watch.  I remember interviewing Cundiff at his kicking camp as an intern in 2006.  He's a good guy who's given a lot back and been one of the league's best kickers.

Unfortunately, you wonder if this will be his Scott Norwood-type of moment.  Granted, this wasn't the Super Bowl, but as volatile as that Ravens team is (remember Ed Reed calling out his QB Joe Flacco the week of the game), it's hard to imagine how he'll get treated going forward.  After the game everyone seems to be standing up for him.  I hope it's genuine, and I hope that Cundiff can move on from this wherever he plays next year.

I'm guessing he will.  Almost immediately after the loss Cundiff  remembered his roots and called Des Moines Register sports editor Bryce Miller.  He took full responsibility for the loss.  It takes more than one kick to lose a football game, but it takes a lot of guts to face the music and own it.