An independent student newspaper serving Iowa State since 1890. MONDAY 10.23.2017 No. 045 Vol 213
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CYCLONES BREAK INTO TOP 25 AFTER 12 YEAR DROUGHT In 2005, senior wide receiver Allen Lazard was nine years old.
The first ever YouTube video was uploaded just five months prior. That year Iowa State tied for second in the Big 12 North Division — yes, that was a thing. The Cyclones conference schedule included games against Nebraska, Missouri, Texas A&M and Colorado. In 2005, fans could look forward to watching Todd Blythe, who would go on to become the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards. After eight weeks in 2017, Allen Lazard is 300 yards away from claiming the top spot for himself. In 2005, the south end zone was about a decade away from being bowled-in, and there were no giant scoreboards at either end zone. Thanks to a convincing 31-13 win at Texas Tech on Saturday, Iowa State earned a spot in the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 2005. The Cyclones were ranked as high as No. 22 during that season, but a three-game losing streak in October ended that run. Simply put, a lot has changed in the time since Iowa State was last ranked. It’s been a long 12 years. Brent Blum from the Cyclone Radio Network was a junior at Iowa State in 2005, and he recalled that season. “That’s the great parallel,” Blum said. “There are so many similarities between this year’s team and that year’s team.” The 2005 team was also led by a strong defense, Blum said. He noted that Blythe was Iowa State’s go-to receiver in 2005 — very
similar to Lazard on this team. The issue for the 2005 team was close losses and missed chances. “They had numerous missed opportunities that year,” Blum said. “They lost in overtime to Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas that year. So close to having that magical season, but it never came to fruition. “With some better luck, that could have been a 10-win team. And certainly should have been the Big 12 North champion.” With a 5-2 record overall and a 3-1 Big 12 record, Iowa State has its best start to the season since 2002. The Cyclones felt they had a realistic shot to host ESPN’s College GameDay this upcoming weekend, and although ESPN elected to go to Ohio State instead, the Cyclones have national recognition for the first time in several years. Cyclone fan and Iowa State alum Alex Gookin, formerly an Iowa State Daily sports editor who covered the team, said the success is unexpected. “It’s kind of amazing that they ’re there at this point,” Gookin said. “To see them be in this conversation already is really, really exciting as a Cyclone fan.” Losses to Iowa
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Aaron Marner, Emily Barske and Chris Jorgensen contributed to this article.
PHOTO BY: CHRIS JORGENSEN/ IOWA STATE DAILY