Readers: To sound off, click on the blue “comment” link below … ALSO, follow me on twitter.com under “kellyatcourier”

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?

By KELLY BEATON

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 …

Readers: To sound off, click on the blue “comment” link below … ALSO, follow me on twitter.com under “kellyatcourier”

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 …