I did a Q and A on Instagram with Jeremiah Williams who just transferred from Iowa State to Temple, and had my followers ask some questions, here are some of the best:
Iowa State Questions
Q: What drew you to ISU? (asked by @logan_a_connor)
A: "[ISU] was the first school to connect with me in the portal, also seeing what coach TJ was able to do caught my eye along with many other things"

Q: What are you most excited about for next season? (asked by @chayseroecker)
A: "Playing Iowa"
Q: Which team in the Big 12 are you most excited to play against? (asked by @mizisuirl)
A: "Kansas"

Q: Is there anything that set TJ apart from other coaches that reached out to you? (asked by @i_walworth)
A: " [TJ] got straight to the point didn’t sugar code anything and really broke my game down which was appreciated"

Q:  What are your goals to obtain here at Iowa State? (asked by @evanand15)
A:  "Reach a final 4 finish top half of the big 12 and just overall have a great experience in Ames"

Q: Have you been able to hang out with any of the other players and if so who? (asked by @thomassonderman)
A: "Tre King and I took my visit with Hason Ward"

Q: How excited are you to be able to not only experience but be apart of Hilton magic? (asked by @loganturney)
A: "It is very exciting, I was unaware Hilton Magic so I will be looking forward to it"
Q: Most exiting thing about joining the Cyclones? (asked by @garytoddpayne)
A: "Hilton Magic"

Q: Thoughts on Tyrese Hunter leaving? (asked by @seankoenigs)
A: "[Tyrese] is doing whats best for him, I wish him the best ofc. I just transferred also to do whats best for me."

Play Style Questions
Q: What is ur go to move? Whats the most underrated part of your game? (asked by @warriorswillwin302430)
A: "Euro, Scoring"

Q: Do you see yourself as a scoring guard or a do it all guard? (asked by @ra_thekushite)
A: "A basketball player"

NBA Questions
Q: What players have you idolized growing up? (asked by @chris.c15)
A: "Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose"

Q: Who you got in the finals this year? (asked by @cyclones_everyday15)
A: "Bucks Suns"

Q: Who's the Goat? (asked by @warriorswillwin302430)
A: "MJ"

Q: Who is your NBA Comparison? (asked by @jackson.trotter15)
A: "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dejounte Murray from the Spurs"

Here is the original Q and A instagram post:

Local Ankeny Quarterback JJ Kohl has committed to Iowa state. The class of 2023 QB chose Iowa State over Iowa, Nebraska, Florida State, Penn State and others. Kohl is a top 20 quarterback in the class and is Iowa State's new top guy in the class. Kohl has a great frame at 6-6 and 227 pounds. According to 247 Sports, Kohl is the seventh highest rated recruit for Iowa State, behind Hunter Dekkers. He is ranked a 4 star recruit by both ESPN and 247 Sports. 247 sports ranks Kohl as the 17th best quarterback in the whole class, and the 324th best player covering all positions. Kohl is now the favorite to take over the offense after Dekkers time is done at ISU. He brings a strong pocket pressure to Iowa State and has a big build, similar to Dekkers.

(Via twitter.com/hasonward

Hason Ward has committed to Iowa State from VCU. The 6'9" forward averaged 6.5 PPG and 4.8 RPG in just over 20 minutes last season. In 2020-21, Ward averaged 6.4 PPG and 5.1 RPG in just over 21 minutes per game. He is an interior minded player, and someone who can score and defend in the post. He shot over 55% from the field for the past few seasons, and around 70% from the free throw line. He is an interior force Iowa State desperately needs with the departure of Enaruna and Conditt. This is a great pickup for TJ and staff, however they are still looking for a perimeter scorer.

Here are some 2019 highlights from Ward in High School. He showed his high flying presence on the court and did show some outside game that we haven't seen much of at the college level. 

Here is the commitment post from Ward via his instagram:

Redshirt Freshman guard Jeremiah Williams will be coming to Ames after one season at Temple. The Chicago Natives time at temple went well where he has played 30+ minutes both seasons for the Owls. He also averaged 9+ points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and over 4 Assists per game during both seasons. He shoots around 65% from the free throw line and shot 32% from three point range during the 2019-20 season while that number dropped to 21% last season. He defensive efficiency has grown greatly over the last year, where he increased his steals per game from 1.2 to 1.4 and his blocks per game over doubled from 0.3 to 0.7. Here are some high school highlights from the Nike EYBL circuit:

Williams fits perfectly in coach Otz's defensive scheme. He does join a loaded back court for the Cyclones with Tyrese Hunter, Caleb Grill, possibly Gabe Kalschuer (if he returns) and the 3 incoming freshman guards, Lipsey, King and Watson. It will be interesting to see how this effects the back court next season.  Tyrese Hunters and Williams are both great passers so it will be interesting to see how the point guard duties pan out. His commitment Instagram Post:

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2022 CYCLONE OFFSEASON BASKETBALL TRACKER
June 15th is a big day for college basketball, marking the first day that college basketball coaches can contact players in the class of 2022. Here are the players that the Cyclones have shown initial interest in and offerred from the class of 2022 along with their ratings from  recruiting leader 247 Sports: (This list will continue to be updated with new recruits, etc.)

Lipsey, a 6-1 point guard from Ames, has received offers from Iowa State, Nebraska and most recently Minnesota. He has also received interest from 15+ other schools including Iowa and North Carolina. Lipsey has won a gold medal with the U16 USA National Team and also plays for multiple AAU teams including D1 Minnesota.

King, from Caledonia High School in Minnesota, has just received an offer from the Cyclones. King is a multi sport athlete who plays on the D1 Minnesota AAU Basketball team, which is the same team as major Cyclone Target Tamin Lipsey.

Gradey Dick, a 6-7 wing at Sunrise Christian School, is receiving major interest as a top 50 player in his class. He has countless offers, the main offers being from Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and Creighton. He also recently got offered from Texas A&M and has received interest from 20+ schools.

By Michael O'Deay (@MODeay70)

Iowa State traveled to Norman with slim hopes for a repeat trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. With a win and some help the Cyclones still had a shot to make it to Dallas. The game started with ISU getting the ball and marching 75 yards in 12 plays. It could've been 11 plays, however, ISU got the benefit of a replay review when a fumble was lost out of the end zone. The Oklahoma player who forced the fumble was out of bounds and touched the ball after Scates lost it which caused an illegal touch. Instead of OU getting the ball as a touchback ISU retained possession. The next play, Breece Hall scored a rushing TD for the 23rd consecutive game giving the Cyclones a 7-0 lead. The TD tied Breece Hall for the most consecutive games with a rushing TD. 
The next drive Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams had a 74 yard rushing TD on Oklahoma's second offensive play. Williams went up the middle angling to the right sideline. Once he got to the second level it was a footrace, which he won. Game tied at 7.
After each teams first drive the defense won the rest of the 1st and 2nd quarters. Oklahoma had a drive that got into the redzone, however, they were unable to cash in when Gabe Brkic clanged a 25 yard FG from the right hash off the left upright. ISU was in business! With a possibly of gaing momentum heading into halftime!
ISU drove outside of FG range. On a 3rd and 7 from the OU 44, ISU was trying to go for the kill shot. Purdy, under duress, rolled to his left, it looked like he may have been trying to pump fake and tuck the ball away to get some yards on the ground. He was hit and fumbled the ball. The ball traveled all the way back to the ISU 41 (15 yards) where it was scooped up by Jalen Redmond and taken into the end zone for a Sooner TD. OU took the lead going into the break 14-7. That was this week's What Happened Moment which was brought to you by an OU booster.
Oklahoma got the second half kick off and punted. ISU returned the favor when they punted it back. Oklahoma punted again. ISU turned it over on downs. Oklahoma went 64 yards in 10 plays with Mario Williams snagging an 11 yard Caleb Williams pass for a TD. The deficit was 21-7. As OU was on that drive Purdy headed back to the locker room and was replaced by Hunter Dekkers. On Dekkers second pass of the game he threw an interception. At that point I thought OU was about to run away with the game. No knock on Dekkers, however, being down 21-7 and after a turnover with the backup in, I thought the outlook was bleak. Then the defense stepped up. As OU was trying to get into the red zone Caleb Williams threw an INT and ISU was in business! OU held to a 4th and 2, Dekkers converted on a keeper, that he fumbled and recoved. After 3 more plays, ISU had a perfect fake punt that kept the drive alive. Dekkers capped off the drive with a 12 yard TD pass to Chase Allen. 
After OU and ISU traded punts, OU went on a 6 play 68 yard TD drive that was capped off by an Eric Gray 7 yard TD run. OU led 28-14.
With just over 5 minutes to play, Brock Purdy and ISU went on 9 play 75 yard TD drive. Purdy hooked up with Charlie Kolar 3 times on the drive. With completions of 28 yards, 14 yards, and a 2 yard TD, ISU climbed back to 28-21. Iowa State's defense came up with another big 3 and out. Once again, after trailing by 2 TDs for most of the second half, ISU had a chance to tie it in the final moments of the game. For the second straight drive it was the Charlie Kolar show. Kolar had 4 catches for 60 yards extending drives and getting into a scoring opportunity. Sadly Purdy's 4th down throw to Chase Allen was a little too high and was picked off. 
OU wins 28-21.
Purdy was 30-43 for 281 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Breece Hall only gained 58 yards on the ground, however, he extended his TD streak and probably had one the best catches of the year. A falling one handed grab that extended a drive. It is one of the best Breece Hall highlights you'll see. Charlie Kolar came to life in his hometown, with 12 catches for 152 yards and a TD. I have laughed for 4 years when starting lineups are announced and I hear from Norman, Oklahoma TE Charlie Kolar. What a homerun of a recruit. I am so glad he spent his college career in Ames. 
Friday is Senior Day. Pack the Jack. Be loud. Show the Seniors and a couple of Juniors who are most likely gone, that we are proud of their accomplishments.

Go Cyclones!

By Michael O'Deay (@MODeay70)
Game 11 at Oklahoma 
Kickoff: 11:00 AM
​TV: Fox
Radio: Cyclone Radio Network

Texas Tech Recap:
When Texas Tech raced to a 28-7 lead, Iowa State had their work cut out for them. ISU went on a 7 play 75 yard drive to score a TD, thanks to a Breece Hall 17 yard run. Iowa State cut their deficit to 28-14. Texas Tech Freshman QB Donovan Smith led Tech on a drive that led to a FG and a 31-14 lead. To start the second half Brock Purdy threw his 2nd pick of the game. Texas Tech drove down to the red zone, instead of kicking a FG, they were held on a 4th down and ISU had new life. ISU would close the gap to 31-28 after two Charlie Kolar TDs. Texas Tech scored a TD to take a 38-28 lead. ISU went on a drive that would result in a TD and 2 sections of the Texas Tech crowd moved over 2 sections because the fans were throwing bottles and other debris on the field. The Cyclone defense would hold Tech to a 3 and out. The offense drove down the field and Andrew Mevis kicked a game tying FG with 1 minute to play. Tech’s freshman QB would lead the Red Raiders on a drive that set up a game winning 62 yard FG as time expired. It was a truly heartbreaking loss.

Know your opponent:
Oklahoma is 10-1 and 6-1 in Big 12 play. Baylor ended Oklahoma’s undefeated season with a 27-14 win in Waco last week.
 
The Series:
Oklahoma leads the overall series 77-7-2. The Sooners and Cyclones split 2 games last season. ISU Won 38-31 in Ames. The Sooners won the Big 12 Championship Game against Iowa State.

The Game:
These two teams had very high hopes coming into this game. The Sooners have a good chance to make the Big 12 championship while ISU is on life support. There is still a chance for ISU to make it to Dallas, however, all the stars in the universe need to align. 2 ISU wins paired with 2 losses from Baylor and Oklahoma, and winning a 3 team tie breaker with Baylor and Oklahoma.
Preseason Heisman hopeful Spencer Rattler was benched during the Sooners come from behind win against Texas. Rattler then replaced Caleb Williams last week in the Sooners loss to Baylor. The defense for ISU is going to need to come up big because With a TD on the ground Breece Hall would tie the record for consecutive games with a rushing TD. With both teams coming off difficult losses this will be a very good game with two great college teams.   

Key to the Game:
1) Fast Offensive Start
2) Convert 3rd Downs
3) Limit Big Plays

ISU has been plagued by slow starts in their 3 conference losses. The offense has the capability to come back, however, Oklahoma would be their best overall team. In 2019 OU raced to a 35-7 lead, to barely hold on to a 42-41 victory.
Part of ISU’s success in their wins has been able to convert third downs. That is very important because of OU’s high powered offense.
ISU has been one of the best schools at limiting big plays. ISU gave up 8 plays of 20 or more yards against Texas Tech. Prior to that the D had only given up 2 such plays.

My prediction: 
Let's send the Sooners out in style! ISU 34 Oklahoma 38

Go Cyclones!

By Michael O'Deay (@MODeay70)

A 62 yard FG and a ton of broken hearts. This loss stings. Before the game ISU had a dream to play in the Big 12 Championship game and possibly a New Years 6 bowl. Those dreams were shattered by a 62 field goal off the foot of Texas Tech Kicker Jonathan Garibay. 
Texas Tech raced to a 28-7 lead in the second quarter. With scoring drives of 75 yards, 75 yards, 70 yards, and 71 yards. Brock Purdy threw his first interception in over a month and Texas Tech was rolling. 
ISU answered with a 7 play 75 yard drive that was capped off with a 17 yard TD run by Breece Hall. His 2nd of the day. With 1:11 and 1 timeout surely Texas Tech would go to the locker room happy with a 14 point cushion. Right? Nope. Garibay hit his first FG of the day, a 45 yarder with no time to play in the first half making it 31-14.
The 2nd half started out with Brock Purdy throwing his 2nd INT of the day. He had Jaylin Noel in single coverage, however, Texas Tech corner Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had the beat on the pass that was thrown inside the numbers and picked it off. Texas Tech would go on what seemed to be a soul crushing drive.  They drove 69 yards to the ISU 11 and had a chance to go up 34-14. Instead they went for the first down. QB Donovan Smith was short on his keeper. ISU regained a little life. However they were held to 3 and out and punted it. 
The punt was returned 39 yards to the ISU 30. Once again, Texas Tech was set up for the haymaker. After a sack by Blake Peterson, an incompletion by Smith, and a completion of 18 yards on 4 and 21 once again Tech decided to go for the jugular instead of kicking a FG to take a 20 point lead. Smith kept it again and was dropped for a 4 yard loss. ISU football!
ISU would score on their final four possessions. Brock Purdy atoned for his two picks with 3 TD passes, two to Kolar and one to Hall. Hall's 17 yard TD reception to cut the lead to 38-35 was a highlight real TD where he caught the ball on the left hash, instantly spun to the middle of the field and angled toward the goal line for the score.
ISU then held Tech to a 3 and out. It set up a final drive for the ISU offense to take the lead and turn back the Red Raiders. Brock led the offense on a 15 play 68 yard drive that led to the tying FG. ISU was faced with a 4th and 4 from the Tech 12 yard line. Instead of playing aggressive and trying for the winning TD, ISU opted for the FG. In my opinion it was the right call. After a 2 yard run to start the possession Purdy threw an incomplete pass and scrambled for a 4 yard gain. On the two passing plays Tech had Kolar and Hutch locked up. If you get to OT there's a chance to win. 
Then ISU had their hearts ripped out of their chest and stomped on.
I want to take a moment to address some complaints I read online after the game. I read this is a wasted season. The team underperformed. Bench Brock Purdy. Fire Matt Campbell.
Stop it! If you remember the 90s, ISU went 23-80-3 for the decade! Along with several others, I remained a Cyclone. Coach Mac took over in 1995 and started the winning ways we enjoy so much right now. Since 2000 Iowa State has been to 12 bowl games, (13 after this season). Prior to 2000 ISU had been to 4 bowl games in over 100 years. That's it. Brock Purdy is the best QB ISU has ever seen. Matt Campbell and this senior class has laid the foundation where a bowl game is an EXPECTATION and not a pipe dream. The #7 ranking in the pre season poll was awesome. The 4 sellouts are amazing. The progress the athletic department has made is remarkable. Jack Trice Stadium is almost unrecognizable from just a decade ago. If I could personally thank everyone involved in the process, I would. I would shake their hand and tell them thank you for playing your ass off for the last four years. Thank you for giving new hope to a fan base that is already one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. Go out and win another bowl game. Keep your heads held high because we can't be happier than we are now for what you've done.
The expectations for ISU Football are rising. In the future there will be seasons with hopes and expectations like this season. 
Trust the process.
I will.

Go Cyclones!

By Michael O'Deay (@MODeay70)
Game 10 at Texas Tech 
Kickoff: 2:30 PM
​TV: ESPN 2
Radio: Cyclone Radio Network

Texas Recap:
This game started out as a big boy game. The defenses were flying around hitting everyone. ISU opened the game forcing a Texas turnover. ISU promptly drove into a goal to go situation and walked away with a FG. That score would hold up until the middle of the 2nd quarter when Hudson Card drove Texas on a 14 play 78 yard TD drive, to take a 7-3 lead on a 4 yard pass to Xaiver Worthy. Halftime score 7-3.
ISU had a solid 2nd half. Texas was on the field. That’s about it. The Cyclones got the ball to start the 2nd half and wasted little time to take the lead on a 4 play 75 yard drive that was capped with an impressive zig zagging Breece Hall 47 yard TD run. That was the gut shot to Texas. Then the teams exchanged punts. After the Cyclone defense forced the Longhorns to their 2nd three and out of the half, ISU used some trickery to deliver the hay maker! On 1st and 10 from their own 49 yard line, Brock Purdy threw a pass to Xaiver Hutchinson who then threw the ball to a wide open Tarique Milton for a 49 yard TD. After a 3rd consecutive 3 and out for Texas, Breece hall had a 21 yard run, a 3 yard run, then Purdy hit Kolar for a 23 yard gain that took the ball to the 2, and Breece Hall finished the 4 play 49 yard drive with his second rushing TD of the game. ISU would add two FGs to get to the final score of 30-7.
The defense was phenomenal! Creating two turnovers, holding Texas to 8 three and outs, and holding Texas to 205 yards of total offense.
Brock Purdy was efficient throwing for 252 yards with no TDs or picks. Breece Hall had 136 yards on 19 carries with 2 TDs. Xavier Hutchinson had 8 receptions for 96 yards with a passing TD. Will McDonald broke the ISU record for career sacks.  

Know your opponent:
Texas Tech is 5-4 and 2-4 in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders have lost their last 2, a 25-24 loss vs Kansas State and a 52-21 loss at Oklahoma. Texas Tech fired their head coach afte3r the loss to K State.

The Series:
Texas Tech leads the overall series 11-8. Iowa State has won the last 5 games. Last season Iowa State won 31-15 in Ames.

The Game:
Iowa State can still make it to Dallas. The first step is to beat Texas Tech. Brock Purdy is completing 74.3 % of his passes on the road this season. He has 6 TDs compared to 1 pick. Purdy hasn’t thrown an interception since the 3rd quarter of the Baylor game. Breece Hall surpassed the 1,000 yard mark on his second carry of the game last week. Hall is averaging 124.5 yards per game. He continued his TD streak to 21 consecutive games in the win over Texas.

Key to the Game:
1) Just win

As always 3rd downs, turnovers, and the line of scrimmage are huge.

My prediction:
Texas Tech has received thorough whoopins against Texas, TCU and Oklahoma. ISU has lost 2 out of the last 3 on the road. I’m expecting a big win. Cyclones 48-7.
 
Rest of the Season:
Iowa State’s goal of winning the Big 12 is still feasible. Baylor’s loss to TCU last week was huge! Baylor has 2 conference losses. If they lose one more and ISU wins out, Baylors tiebreaking win against ISU is irrelevant because they would have more conference losses. If ISU can win their last 3 games, @ Tech, @ OU, and VS TCU they would need Oklahoma wins @ Baylor and @ Oklahoma State. If we play this one week at a time, the most important thing this week is an ISU win and a Baylor loss.
 
Go Cyclones!

By Michael O'Deay (@MODeay70)
Game 9 vs Texas 
Kickoff: 6:30 PM
​TV: FS1
Radio: Cyclone Radio Network

West Virginia Recap:
There are a couple ways to look at the West Virginia game. 1) The Cyclones got hosed by officiating. 2) The Cyclones couldn’t come up with a crucial stop.
I have praised the defense all season. In clutch moments they have come up with the stop after stop and set the offense up to succeed. The Mountaineers had a great game plan. They called out routes all day. ISU couldn’t come up with a stop. There was a lot of separation between the corners and West Virginia’s receivers. Jarret Doege had a serviceable day 30-46 with 3 TDs and 2 picks. Leddie Brown went over the century mark with 109 yards and 2 TDs.
ISU had the big plays Breece Hall extended his consecutive rushing TD streak with a 70 yard TD. Tarik Milton had a 68 yard TD. Jake Hummel had a 24 yard pick 6. ISU fell short. That’s not an indictment of how ISU played. Nor is it of the coaching staff. The Mountaineers did what they needed to do to win. After West Virginia took a 38-31 lead, ISU had 2 drives that put them within reach of tying the game. The Breece Hall “fumble” is what I have the biggest issue with. The side judge called a TD, the back judge called a fumble. After what seemed like an hour long conference, the head ref said it was a fumble. Then there was a review. I knew there wouldn’t have been enough evidence to overturn it, (thanks for having the game on ESPN +). The call wouldn't have been overturned had the ruling on the field would’ve been a TD. It was to say the least a painful loss. It’s tough to win conference road games. ISU gave up 38 points, which is the most since a 42-41 loss to OU in 2019. Let’s move on to Texas.   

Know your opponent:
Texas is 4-4 and 2-3 in Big 12 play. The Longhorns are currently on a 3 game losing streak. They’ve had dominating wins against Texas Tech, Louisiana, and Rice. They blew a huge lead against OU, and lost 2 tough games to Oklahoma State and Baylor. The Longhorns are more than likely making their last trip to Ames, because after basketball season I’m sure the SEC will pony up the dough for OU and Texas to exit the Big 12.

The Series:
Texas  leads the overall series 14-4. Iowa State has won the last 2 games. Last season Iowa State won 23-20.

The Game:
Texas  is a struggling football team. Since blowing a 35-17 lead against OU, the Longhorns have been outscored 101-61. Texas also lost a double digit lead to Oklahoma State the following week. Texas has Bijan Robinson, the 2nd best running back in the Big 12. Robinson is averaging 5.93 yards per carry with 11 rushing TDs. He is a very powerful runner that gets a lot of YAC. QB Casey Thompson has Completed 64% of his passes with 17 TDs and 6 picks. He is a pocket passer that can thread the needle. Brock Purdy was efficient in Brocktober throwing for 945 yards with 8 TDs and no interceptions. This senior class is 16-1 at JTS against Big 12 opponents. Breece Hall is 15 yards away from eclipsing the 1,000 yard rushing for the season. The WR matchup is going to be a battle of the Xavier’s. It’s Worthy for Texas and Hutch for ISU. Worthy is a big play receiver averaging 19.9 yards per catch while Hutch is more of a possession receiver averaging 11.3 yards per catch.
This is going to be the loudest and most wild game at Jack Trice Stadium. Everyone in Cyclone Nation has had this date on their calendar since Texas and OU decided to jump ship. I know I am ready.

Key to the Game:
1) Just win baby

As always 3rd downs, turnovers, and the line of scrimmage are huge. ISU needs to find a way to win because believe it or not, there still is a way to get to Dallas. I’ll talk about that with a win in next week’s recap.

My prediction:
Texas is averaging 39.4 points per game and 447.4 yards of total offense. The Cyclones are giving up 19.6 ppg and 291.5 ypg. After last week’s game, I think the Cyclones are going to get back on track with a 34-24 win. I hope it’s more lopsided.

Go Cyclones!