Cyclone fans, the sky is not falling. It is a little less blue.

We should have known better, but the hype machine at Iowa State has been so relentless that it was easy to ignore logic and start believing Gene Chizik could work miracles. He can't. Even if he does have his own coin.

I think time will prove Chizik a good coach, and a good hire. I know as a defensive coordinator, Chizik hardly ever lost at Texas or Auburn, but those players didn't come with him to Ames. It still comes down to talent, and Iowa State needs more. We also must give these guys more time to learn a new system. As Chizik said, this season will be a roller coaster. However, a Big 12 team, even one in transition, should never lose at home to a MAC team. Ever.

Iowa State better sack up and get ready for Northern Iowa. If ISU wants to see disappointment turn to despondence 2 games into a guy's head coaching career, then lose to UNI.

Other thoughts from ISU's first game:

-I was wrong, the gold pants did not help the uniforms. The Cyclones still look like Happy Meals on legs.
-Brett Culbertson is a good guy, but what a shaky start to his Senior season. I hope he bounces back. He always does.
-Quarterback Bret Meyer never looked comfortable in the new offense. That's not good. Kent State is not Kansas State.

-J.J. Bass won't give the job back. He's real.

-The defense has potential. The offensive line looked better.

-The opening game crowd was the largest and most energetic I've ever seen at Iowa State. The fans did their part.
-I still maintain you must run a creative offense to win important Big 12 games at ISU. The Cyclones will never have the talent of Texas, Oklahoma or Nebraska. Iowa State needs to get creative. It was only game one, but it was vanilla vs. the Golden Flashes.
-Ben Bruns is a pleasure to listen to on the Cyclone radio broadcasts because he's not the usual cheerleader. He calls them like he sees them, an increasingly rare trait these days as more and more announcers fear they'll lose their jobs if they don't keep everything positive, and they're probably right. That's a shame. Listeners and viewers deserve better...

Before I check out, a standing ovation for Steve Loney. Drake goes to #7 Illinois State and the non-scholarship Bulldogs stun the Redbirds and all their free ride players. Wow. One of the biggest upsets in our state's history. Drake may want more than year out of Loney...