As some of you know, I'm in the tour/travel business. Had a chance to have breakfast last week with one of our long time drivers who hails from Iowa, and does a lot of driving for ISU.

A few tidbits he shared:

• Women's swim and gymnastics teams are his favorites. Down to earth girls who don't put themselves above anyone else. Fun, nice people who like to include the driver in meals, activities, etc.
• Women's basketball team members are very nice. They act very differently if Bill is around vs. if he's not around. For example, at a meal--if Bill's around, very reserved, businesslike, etc. If Bill's not around, whooping it up, laughing, having a lot of fun. He did speak highly of Bill--has always been treated with utmost respect from him. One more note--when the women get on the motorcoach, phones have to be turned in--and then are given back when they get off the coach. It's all business on the motorcoach.
• TJ keeps his distance, but nice/professional to the driver. Men's players...they are bit more egotistical. Not mean or anything, but definitely put themselves on a level above the driver expecting to be serviced to.
• CMC a bit more engaging than TJ, very nice to the driver.
• Women's volleyball--this one is interesting. They're not like the swim and gymnastics teams. Act entitled, and more like the men's hoops team. Maybe the success/ESPN appearances has gone a bit to their head?
• The final nugget, and it's not a good a good one. He's frankly embarrassed often times, especially at football games, when dropping opposing teams at Jack Trice. The behavior from fans/students is not good toward the visitors. Of course we know this likely happens at most schools, but disappointing to hear that comment.

For what it's worth...

Van Meter looks to be quite the power in central Iowa football - historically at 1A. This year they are rated #1 in 2A. Guessing they benefit from increasing enrollment/resources being located just outside WDM.

I care because some chance they will meet my high school Central Lyon in the playoffs. CL won 2A last year and are undefeated this year and have two kids (sadly) committed to play at Iowa.

VM vs CL would be a great game if it happened.

Iowa State Media Relations

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State’s Oct. 7 game against TCU at MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium will kick off at 7 p.m. on either FOX or FS2.

The game has been designated as the Jack Trice Legacy Game presented by Nationwide. Iowa State will celebrate the life and legacy of Jack Trice on the eve of the anniversary of his death.

SEPT. 2 UNI (ESPN+) W, 30-9
SEPT. 9 IOWA (FOX) L, 20-13
SEPT. 16 at Ohio (ESPNU) L, 10-7
SEPT. 23 *OKLAHOMA STATE (FS1) W, 34-27
SEPT. 30 *at Oklahoma (FS21) 6 p.m.
OCT. 7 *TCU (FOX/FS2) 7 p.m.
OCT. 14 *at Cincinnati
OCT. 28 *at Baylor
NOV. 4 *KANSAS (HC)
NOV. 11 *at BYU
NOV. 18 *TEXAS
NOV. 25 *at Kansas State

It seems I counted six playing on defense at the same time, on one occasion.

Did anyone else see the very instant that Eberfluss became an ex-coach from 1 bad decision?

Iowa State’s Oct. 14 game at Cincinnati will kick off at 11 a.m. and be carried on FS1.

I remember for the past couple years, the TV markets in Wyoming would always get the Bills games. Call that the Josh Allen effect. With no particular local game of interest, they'd get the Bills to see their Wyoming Cowboy Josh Allen.

Well it just happened in Central Iowa with our guy Purdy. Earlier this week, KDSM and whatever the Ottumwa market Fox affiliate is were carrying New England/Dallas. They made the rightful decision on Friday to flip to San Francisco. This is a fun outlier map to look at.
(red is NE/Dal, blu is SF/AZ)

Starts out 10/10

Lazard at 60 yards and a TD

Breece just broke a 43 yard run

+5 1/2 geez

Purdy passing against the Cardinals! Wonder what the record is? So proud of him.

1. It took 8 years (or longer) but we finally have learned QB under center and sneaking it on short yardage is actually a good play. Who would have thought that?

2. We have a punter. He has to enter the playing field more often than we would like but at least my stomach doesn't turn in anticipation of what is going to happen like in previous years.

3. Defense is still solid. They bent a little but only gave up one touchdown on Saturday and that was a 23 yard drive. They put us in position to win.

4. It's nice to know at 66 years old I can still learn new things. I didn't realize that with all the video technology we have that it's too f#@$g hard to check to see if a kick crossed over the upright.

Down 28-7 at the half on the road against UCF. Bears have lost seven of eight games since a win at Oklahoma last November. Looks like that could become eight of nine.

The only win during this stretch… Long Island.

If anyone believes they missed this deadline on accident then, I have some swamp land to sell you.

The rest should have had better lawyers. They strong armed them into pleading because they didn't want a light shown on how this went down.

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Watching the first half, I am encouraged.
For me yesterday’s score doesn’t reflect how we played as a team. Purchae’s penalties hurt us and a young QB made a few mistakes.

I see the possibility of 5-6 wins, with continued improvement. I believe the talent is there.

If we want to go bowling, our Defense needs to regroup, and our offense needs to continue improving. Can we win 4 of 5?

Last two are gonna be hard to get to 6. It’s time to make hay. I hope these kids circled the TCU game after last seasons game!

How bad does EIU look now.
Cats up 10-3.

Talk all week was just how awesome PSU really is. Oops.

Drives me nuts that Leipold shows up a few seasons ago with a roster that wasnt strong. They can just run the ball. Why? How can we learn from them. They are on track for 300 yds. on the ground with a back up QB.

But the dang wagon is still standing.

Anyone know what his injury is? I don't think it's a leg. I've never seen him limping going off the field. Ive never seen him on the ground after a play. Seems like he makes plays, then all of a sudden, he's gone. We need him