By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

CEDAR FALLS – If you saw it, you probably did a spit-take.

Yes, it means next-to-nothing, but the Northern Iowa Panthers were actually No. 3 in the RPI earlier this week. Since then, UNI (1-0) has faded back to a still-impressive 14th, according to daily RPI polls.

If the Panthers hope to stay in that rarefied air a solid showing at this weekend’s Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands is a necessity.

Here are the hurdles that stand in their way:

SCHOOL: DePaul (1-0)

RPI: No. 217

SKINNY: DePaul, whom UNI clashes with in Friday’s first-round, presents a stiff challenge, considering it possesses the 6-foot-10 Mac Koshwal – who appeared on at least one cover of a preseason magazine.

Adam Koch, here’s an early litmus test.

SCHOOL: Tenth-ranked Tennessee (2-0)

RPI: No. 38

SKINNY: The Volunteers would offer UNI an early NCAA-Tournament-caliber test, should the teams meet in the second round in St. Thomas.

Not only do coach Bruce Pearl and senior star Tyler Smith have Iowa ties, but it would also be awfully intriguing to see how the Panthers would try to contend with 6-7 sophomore guard Scotty Hopson.

A word of warning: the Vols shot 59.7 percent in Tuesday’s 124-49 romp over UNC-Asheville. Ouch.

SCHOOL: Seventh-ranked Purdue (1-0)

RPI: No. 144

SKINNY: The Boilermakers return their top six players off last year’s Sweet 16 squad — which happened to nip UNI, 61-56, in the NCAA Tournament. Forward Robbie Hummel is a possible Big Ten Player of the Year.

If you beat Purdue on Monday you get instant cred throughout the Midwest, Panthers.

OTHER POSSIBLE PARADISE JAM OPPONENTS: East Carolina (0-2), No. 250 RPI; South Dakota State (1-0), No. 263; St. Joe’s (0-0), No. 208; Boston College (2-0), No. 190.

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off with your opinions and predictions by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier

AMES – After Saturday’s satisfying, 17-10 triumph over Colorado, Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads bear-hugged his wife.

He soon led an Iowa State cheer as he walked through the Jacobson Building.

And, Rhoads eventually hooted and hollared in his office, while watching the end of another football game on TV (Iowa-Ohio State, perhaps?).

Hey, the first-year Cyclone head coach has reason to be giddy, right? After all, Iowa State — 2-10 last year — became bowl eligible Saturday, a turnaround so dramatic it can’t be overstated.

Now, at 6-5 overall, Iowa State’s bowl outlook appears fairly promising … for the moment at least.

Here’s a look at every apparent bowl possibility for Rhoads’ squad:

- NEW MEXICO BOWL (Dec. 19, in Albuquerque) 1:30 p.m., ESPN

- HAWAII BOWL (Dec. 24, in Honolulu) 7 p.m., ESPN

- LITTLE CAESARS BOWL (Dec. 24, in Detroit) Noon, ESPN

- INDEPENDENCE BOWL (Dec. 28, in Shreveport, La.) 4 p.m., ESPN2

- TEXAS BOWL (Dec. 31, in Houston) 2:30 p.m., ESPN

- GMAC BOWL (Jan. 6, in Mobile, Ala.) 6 p.m., ESPN

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

Until next time, I’ll be trying to whittle down a list of Heisman candidates. C.J. Spiller? … Jimmy Clausen? … Um, Nate Frere?

Waterloo (IA) Courier

AMES – Two weeks ago Iowa State was riding high, after a historic win in Lincoln.

Saturday, the Cyclones were decidedly down in the dumps, after enduring a sound, 34-8 defeat at the hands of a far more talented Oklahoma State squad.

“It has been frustrating,” said receiver Josh Lenz.

“It’s real disappointing,” said tight end Collin Franklin. “It’s another rough loss. When you … lose back-to-back games where you didn’t compete like you know you can that hurts.”

When the Cyclones take a look at the  Big 12 standings, they’ll be hurting some more. Iowa State’s bowl hopes have taken a serious hit the last two weeks.

Literally every team in the Big 12 remains in bowl contention and the league only has eight bowl tie-ins. Only Colorado and Baylor appear to be postseason long shots. Heck, Iowa State (5-5 overall, 2-4 Big 12) could still finish last in the North division.

Thus, this week’s 1 p.m. home clash with Colorado (3-6, 2-3) looks like a must-win for the Cyclone contingent.

“Our goal has definitely been to get to a bowl game — and win it,” said center Reggie Stephens.

Below is a look at the current Big 12 North standings:

1. Kansas State  (4-2 in Big 12, 6-4 overall); 2. Nebraska (3-2, 6-3); 3. Colorado (2-3, 3-6); 4. Iowa State (2-4, 5-5); 5. Kansas (1-4; 5-4); 6. Missouri (1-4, 5-4).

Readers: Sound off with your opinion by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

First, for last Saturday’s football … Well, Iowa State was force-fed a dose of reality, wasn’t it? Few Cyclone supporters saw Saturday’s 35-10 loss at Texas A&M coming.

It was an affordable loss, yes, but it was a bit ugly nevertheless.

For a second straight season, Iowa State’s secondary was lit up by A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who completed 23 of 28 (82 percent) passes, for 234 yards and three touchdowns. The Aggies racked up 501 yards … and 31 first downs … and went 10-for-13 on third downs. That’s ugly.

Now, Iowa State (5-4) could quickly find itself in a precarious position, considering No. 18 Oklahoma State will be a prohibitive favorite in Ames this Saturday.

On the plus side, Bo Williams FINALLY saw the football field during a game. His first carry ever went for 44 yards. Cyclone fans were probably perturbed, considering they’ve been calling for the former Florida Gator to see the field all year.

What the Cyclones need now is simply a return to a consistent lineup. And, yes, they need Austen Arnaud back under center. Not only is the Ames native an underrated leader, but he’s also an underrated runner, who displayed a knack for making bruising runs when needed earlier this season.

-  At Cedar Falls Saturday, the UNI men tipped off perhaps their most eagerly-anticipated season ever with a 67-39 exhibition win over Upper Iowa.

The Panthers shot 48 percent and forced 20 turnovers in what can only be described as a so-so performance.

Yet, a few youngsters looked intriguing. Guard Marc Sonnen, for example, quickly settled into the offense and produced 11 points in 14 minutes, a performance that included a 3-for-4 mark from the field. At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Sonnen already looks solid enough to handle the rigors of the Missouri Valley Conference. He looks like a much-needed, capable jump-shooter.

“He’s another big guard that can handle it and attack with it,” Kwadzo Ahelegbe said of Sonnen.

Redshirt freshman big man Jake Koch also opened eyes, registering 6 points and 4 rebounds in just 15 minutes.

“Jake Koch came out and really played good — he was on the floor for every loose ball,” noted Panther teammate Johnny Moran. At first blush, the Panthers’ only true concern appears to be a lack of elite athleticism. They still don’t possess many players who can create their own shot. They look like they could use Carlton Reed in his prime.

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

Until next time, I’ll be tutoring Lucas O’Rear on his dunking in transition …

By KELLY BEATON Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. — To hear the Cyclones tell it, the Iowa State locker room resembled a scene from the movie “Outbreak” on Saturday.

“Ben Lamaak was puking his brains out,” quarterback Jerome Tiller said.

Yet, by day’s end, each member of the Iowa State contingent wore a wide smile.

Knocking off Nebraska, 9-7, will do that. After all, Iowa State’s record in Memorial Stadium had been 4-39 entering the day.

“I’m just so proud of my team for fighting through that,” said safety Michael O’Connell, who had two key takeaways on the day.

Don’t look now, but the Cyclones (5-3) are one win away from bowl eligibility.

If only for a moment Saturday afternoon, the Cyclones made the nation stand up and take notice. Their eye-opening upset, for example, caught the attention of Mel Kiper, Jr. and Beano Cook, who spoke of the historic significance of Iowa State’s win on ESPN Radio’s airwaves.

The undefeated Hawkeyes will steal most of the headlines throughout the state this weekend, and maybe they should after a last-gasp comeback at Michigan State.

Nevertheless, if you’re a member of the Iowa State contingent, Saturday’s was a triumph to cherish.

“I love these guys,” said senior Nate Frere. “This is one of the toughest teams I’ve ever seen.”

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

K.B.’s QUIPS: Seriously, after Saturday I’m convinced the Swine Flu originated in the state of Nebraska. Literally EVERY Nebraska reporter in the Memorial Stadium press box was visibly sick Saturday (even before the Huskers were embarrassed).

I saw a Lincoln Journal-Star writer sneeze six times consecutively. One more, and his head may very well have exploded.

OFF THE BEATON PATH: The Big 12’s leading rusher, Cyclone star Alexander Robinson, watched Saturday’s game in street clothes. He was smiling afterward, obviously, but you have to wonder: Can Iowa State enjoy prolonged success without A-Rob?

Until next time, I’ll be trying to whittle down a list of Heisman candidates. Mark Ingram? … Jimmy Clausen? … Michael O’Connell?

By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

AMES – Paul Rhoads was rather giddy late Saturday night.

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

OFF THE BEATON PATH:

- The Cyclones, under first-year coach Rhoads, are 4-3, and have already doubled last year’s win-total. Auburn, under the leadership of former ISU coach Gene Chizik, is now 5-2 after Saturday’s 21-14 loss to Kentucky.

Question: which man has done the better coaching job? (I say Rhoads, given the disparity in talent between the two programs).

Until next time, I’ll be trying (in vain) to pinpoint a Heisman candidate. Mark Ingram? … Todd Reesing? … Pat Grace? …

By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

AMES – Greg McDermott seems to carry a little more stress on his shoulders these days than he did while stalking the Northern Iowa sidelines.

But McDermott’s 2009-10 Iowa State Cyclones may very well reduce his anxieties, considering the underrated talent this team possesses.

During Thursday’s media day press conference, McDermott broke down his current Cyclone roster. Here’s what he had to say …

POINT GUARD:

- Diante Garrett, 6-4 JR: McDermott didn’t say much about Garrett, but, after the Milwaukee native started all 32 games last year, producing 9.8 points per night and a team-high 161 assists, you can bet he’ll see heavy minutes.

- Chris Colvin, 6-3 FR: “Has a lot of natural ability,” McDermott noted of the Chicago native, a respected ball-handler. “He has a chance to be a special player.”

SHOOTING GUARD:

- Lucca Staiger, 6-5 JR: Staiger gained invaluable experience in the off-season, playing for a German national team. McDermott said he returned to Ames “lighter, leaner, and stronger.”

- Scott Christopherson, 6-3 SOPH: This Wisconsin native is a wild card player, after transferring from Marquette. “Very tough, very hard-nosed, and very passionate,” said McDermott.

SMALL FORWARD:

- Marquis Gilstrap, 6-7 SR: This suburban Atlanta native possesses crazy game and a story to match, after knee injuries and family issues robbed him of most of his first two years in college. “He’s extremely dedicated to do as much as he can with that one year,” said McDermott. “He can slash and score.”

- Charles Boozer, 6-3 JR: McDermott said that, although Boozer struggled shooting the ball at times last season, his intensity is an asset off the bench. “He’s the guy that’s gonna dive into the third row for a loose ball,” said the coach.

POWER FORWARD:

- Craig Brackins, 6-10 JR: “We have one of the premier players in the nation at that position,” said McDermott. ‘Nuff said.

- La Ron Dendy, 6-9 JR: This juco recruit may have been raved about the most among his Cyclone teammates, who praised his athleticism and toughness. “He can impact the offensive glass,” said McDermott, adding that Dendy should play right away.

- Jamie Vanderbeken, 6-11 SR: Vanderbeken, who McDermott said has a slight, undisclosed injury at the moment, spent all afternoon shooting 3s at Hilton Thursday. That tells you all you need to know about his game. “He stretches the defense,” said the coach. “We just hope we can get him healthy.”

 CENTER:

- Justin Hamilton, 6-11 SOPH: “Justin’s work ethic matches anyone I’ve ever coached,” said McDermott of Hamilton, a surprise 18-game starter last season.

- L.A. Pomlee, 6-8 RS-FR: “Really has transformed his body. He’s big, he’s strong, he can block shots,” said McDermott of Pomlee, who has put on 25 pounds since last season and currently weighs 240.

In addition, McDermott indicated that freshmen Antwon Oliver and Bubu Palo are likely redshirt candidates.

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off with your opinion by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

OFF THE BEATON PATH: According to Lindy’s College Basketball, former Cyclone Wesley Johnson, who averaged around 12 points per game in two seasons in Ames, is the No. 1 transfer in the nation. Johnson will toil at Syracuse this winter.

How good would his 6-foot-9 frame look next to Craig Brackins on the low block these days?

By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. - How ’bout a little ‘three-and-out,’ on Iowa State football?

1.) Here’s the first lesson we learned about the Cyclones on Saturday, even in the wake of a heart-breaking, 41-36 loss at No. 16 Kansas: this squad possesses far more self-assurance than in years’ past.

It was just a year ago that Iowa State blew a late lead against Kansas, then watched its season unravel. It’s hard to imagine that happening this season, however, after listening to the Cyclones in the postgame — and judging by the looks on their faces.

“We’re really close,” noted wideout Jake Williams, who had a team-high seven receptions Saturday. “The last two games we’ve just been a play away.”

“We’re gonna turn this thing around,” vowed quarterback Austen Arnaud, who threw for 293 yards and ran for 67 more.

Last year at this time, the Cyclones hoped to turn things around. This year, they expect to.

2.) Even after Gene Chizik’s departure, the Cyclones’ coaches aren’t immune to making mistakes.

At Kansas, Iowa State often left linebackers like Jesse Smith and Josh Ravencovering future NFL wideouts Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe over the middle. That’s simply an impossible task to ask.

Imagine the havoc Dez Bryant might create when he and Oklahoma Statevisit Ames on Nov. 7th. Let’s hope Wally Burnham and Co. rethink their pass coverages, for the sake of their linebackers’ sanity.

3.) If Alexander Robinson can stay healthy, Iowa State can still go places — including a lower-tier bowl.

Clearly, Robinson has transformed himself from being an intriguing back in 2008 to being a weapon of mass destruction in 2009. Sound like hyperbole? Then you probably weren’t paying attention Saturday.

Against Kansas, Robinson rumbled for a career-high 152 rushing yards, good for his fourth 100-yard game of the season. He also added a career-long 54-yard reception in the first half — all this, despite a groin injury that has robbed him of his top-end, breakaway speed.

With an able-bodied Robinson, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility that the 3-3 Cyclones knock off Baylor, Texas A&M and Colorado. The margin for error, of course, is razor-thin, meaning A-Rob must remain upright.

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

K.B.’s QUIPS: How cold was it in Kansas Saturday? So cold, I can virtually guarantee you Cyclone sideline reporter Ben Bruns is bed-ridden with pneumonia today.

OFF THE BEATON PATH: Could the Kansas media have had any LESS respect for Iowa State?

Even though the Cyclones bolted out to a 20-0 lead on Kansas last year before wilting, virtually every newspaper writer in Northeast Kansas predicted a roughly 42-7 Jayhawk romp.

And, even while Iowa State led much of the day Saturday, multiple Kansas media members were laughing aloud at the Cyclones’ expense while receivers Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe reeled in a combined 28 receptions.

Apparently, Iowa State coordinator Tom Herman was right when he said this coaching staff needs to shake the stigma of this program’s less-than-tradition-rich past. …

Until next time, I’ll be STILL searching for my car on Massachusetts St. in crowded Lawrence, Kansas …