ANALYSIS: ISU-A&M and UNI-UPPER IOWA

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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 …