CYCLONES HUMBLE HUSKERS

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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.”

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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?