2021 WRNL Digital Game Program II: Iowa State vs. Iowa
The Battle for the CyHawk Trophy
Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 1
The Longhorns impressed, but did they claim the top spot?
OK, so that didn’t go quite as planned last week.
Or did it?
Either way, the Big 12 had a stellar last week, sans West Virginia, which was the only school to lose its opener. But let’s not kid ourselves ... all eyes will be watching what unfolds in Ames this week in a top-10 battle between two powerful program.
On to the show!
10. Kansas (1-0)
Kansas wins! Kansas wins! Pay no attention to the fact that it was against an FCS team that finished sixth in The Valley in 2019, and eighth last year. It won!
This week should be a hoot.
This week: at #17 Coastal Carolina (1-0)
9. West Virginia (0-1)
Tough loss last week to Maryland, in a game that may signify a tough season ahead in Morgantown. I’m not ready to write off the ‘Eers just yet, but there’s work to be done. Fortunately, Long Island University awaits, so the odds are the team finds its way back to .500 this weekend.
This week: vs. Long Island University (0-1)
8. Baylor (1-0)
A 29-20 win over Texas State last week was anything but pretty, though the rushing game was impressive. Trestan Ebner rushed 20 times for 120 yards, while Abram Smith chipped in 118 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.
AD
This week: vs. Texas Southern (0-1)
7. Texas Tech (1-0)
Tech playing defense? There’s a phrase we haven’t used much. Still, the Red Raiders outscored Houston 31-0 in the second half of last week’s opener, an impressive display to start the season out with a win.
This week: vs. Stephen F. Austin (1-0)
6. TCU (1-0)
A nice 45-3 opening-weekend win over Duquesne is a great way to start the season, but it might as well have been Bishop Sycamore out there, considering the teams played a shortened second half because of how lopsided the competition was. Cal presents a much more reliable litmus test for the Horned Frogs this week.
This week: at Cal (1-0)
5. Oklahoma State (1-0)
The Cowboys were yet another team that struggled against an FCS opponent, eeking out a 23-16 win over Missouri State. QB Spencer Sanders was unavailable due to COVID protocols, though backup Shane Illingworth was 22-40 for 315 yards and one touchdown, filling in admirably in Sanders’ absence. The running game, though, is cause for concern early on.
This week: vs. Tulsa (0-1)
4. Kansas State (1-0)
The Wildcats won 24-7 over Stanford last week, with healthy QB Skylar Thompson leading the way, going 9-14 for 144 yards, while rushing 10 times for 33 yards and two touchdowns. They should be able to handle Southern Illinois this week, a team coach Chris Klieman is very familiar with.
This week: vs. Southern Illinois (1-0)
This week: at Arkansas (1-0)
3. #9 Iowa State (1-0)
Seriously, can the Cyclones ever have a week one matchup that doesn’t result in heart palpitations? Sure, they were without Charlie Kolar, but the team’s inability to establish any sort of meaningful offensive rhythm can definitely make fans a little uneasy. The defense, on the other hand, was as good as advertised, and having seen this team perform in years past, it’s reasonable to think the offense is one monster play away from opening the floodgates.
This week: vs. #10 Iowa (1-0)
2. #4 Oklahoma (1-0)
The mighty, mighty Tulane Green Wave gave Oklahoma all it could handle last week, but considering how nearly every other team struggled to their wins as well, a win is a win. Most concerning is how the Sooners were unable to close the game out, getting outscored 13-0 in the fourth quarter of their 40-35 win.
This week: vs. Western Carolina (0-1)
1. #15 Texas (1-0)
Texas rolled No. 23 Louisiana 38-18 last week, an impressive start to the Steve Sarkisian era. The Longhorns were led by running back Bijan Robinson, who accumulated 103 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries. RB Hudson Card had one of the most interesting lines last week: Six carries for one touchdown and -1 yards. Simply put, Texas earned this spot with the conference’s only win over a ranked opponent last week.
Betting the Big 12: Week Two
Time for a rebound.
By: Austin Keeney
Last week was an absolute disaster. An embarrassment. We have to do better. 2-7 won’t cut it. The games were weird, but that’s no excuse. Now we’ve seen everyone on the field. We’re going to sharpen up and this is the week the column makes a comeback. There are still lots of FCS games on the schedule without lines, so we can focus on what matters most. Plus, the NFL returns, and the rest of the college slate gives plenty of interesting offerings.
THE GAMES
Kansas (1-0) at #17 Coastal Carolina (1-0)
Kickoff: Friday 6:30pm | TV: ESPN2 | The Line: Coastal Carolina -25
We’ve got to be looking at the biggest road underdog a Big 12 team has ever been to a Sun Belt team. Kansas may have gotten the win last weekend, but they REALLY struggled to move the ball. Coastal will run the ball down the Jayhawks’ throats. Grayson McCall is a legit QB. I’m ready to start fading Kansas the rest of the way.
Pick: Coastal Carolina -25
Tulsa (0-1) at Oklahoma State (1-0)
Kickoff: 11:00am | TV: FS1 | The Line: Oklahoma State -13.5
I’m trying to not overreact to what we saw a week ago. Both of these teams look terrible. Tulsa lost as a big favorite to an FCS school. Oklahoma State scraped by an FCS school of their own. These teams played a close game last season. I trust Mike Gundy to get things moving in the right direction more than anyone at Tulsa.
Pick: Oklahoma State -13.5
California (0-1) at TCU (1-0)
Kickoff: 2:30pm | TV: ESPNU | The Line: TCU -11.5
Dear reader, I cannot express to you how delighted I am that we are running back the infamous Cheez-It Bowl. In the spirit of that game, I think Cal probably stinks again. TCU didn’t give us anything we can use going forward against Duquesne (seriously, who scheduled that?). We’re running on gut instinct and trying to zig while everyone expects TCU to win in a blowout. Frogs by 10.
Pick: Cal +11.5
#10 Iowa (1-0) at #9 Iowa State (1-0)
Kickoff: 3:30pm | TV: ABC | The Line: Iowa State -4.5
There’s a lot of reasons why Iowa makes more sense from a betting perspective, but I can promise that under no circumstance would I put money on Iowa. Spencer Petras gets smothered by the Cyclone defense and the Clones win the most physical game of the weekend 17-10.
Pick: Iowa State -4.5
#16 Texas (1-0) at Arkansas (0-0)
Kickoff: 6:00pm | TV: ESPN | The Line: Texas -7
WOO PIG SUEY! The future conference rivals get together in Fayetteville. This atmosphere will do its best to rival Ames (and come up short) but I think the Hogs win this game outright. Let’s take the home dog and fade Hudson Card in his first career road start.
Pick: Arkansas +7
BEST BET FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
Washington +7 at Michigan
Call it a hat tip to this week’s Litecast guest Chris Fallica. I love Washington in this spot. There is no way they can play worse than they did a week ago in a loss to FCS Montana. Michigan is riding a little bit too high. Plus, they have to go forward this season without their best offensive player, Ronnie Bell. UW bounces back and keeps this thing close, if not wins it outright.
NFL PICK OF THE WEEKEND
Seahawks -2.5 at Colts
Did somebody say Carson Wentz is the Colts quarterback? That guy stinks. The Seahawks play nothing but weird games, but Russell Wilson is always lights out in September. I think Seattle moves the ball up and down the field, and Wentz isn’t exactly someone I’m afraid of making a comeback.
PROP OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY KIRK FERENTZ’S BOWL BONUS
Will Spencer Petras complete 50% of his passes this weekend?
YES -200
NO +170
SEASON RECORD: 2-7 (-5.7 units)
2021 Tailgate Preview: Team Out East
College AmesDay, part II
By Meg A. Tron
For this week’s Tailgate Preview, I asked some very special guest pickers to help me out.
Weather - Hot. Really hot.
Guest picker - Mother Nature
I know you were hoping to wear the cute new vintage-inspired sweatshirt you bought this summer while you were dreaming of football weather. This is not the time. It’s gonna be a toasty one, guys. Not as hot as Las Vegas will be next week...but still really, really warm. Just wear as little as possible. It’s going to be too warm to be self-conscious about your body and honestly, I saw you all last week and you look fantastic. Each and every one of you. Gorgeous. We are a very good-looking fanbase.
And don’t forget your sunglasses.
Food - Sloppy Joes and Corn Salsa
Guest picker - Marcus
If they gave out medals for tailgating, Marcus and Sarah would win gold. They somehow outdo themselves every year and I was so glad they took me up on being guest pickers.
They’ll be serving sloppy joes on Saturday because they can be made the night before and left to warm in a crockpot while you take in the College GameDay pregame festivities. These sandwiches are also a great tailgate choice because they feed a crowd and are fully customizable.
The corn salsa was chosen because you can’t have the biggest Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk game without a corn recipe. Marcus and Sarah were generous enough to share this recipe with you. Enjoy!
Mix together and bring to a boil for 1 minute:
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp black pepper
Cool the mixture and set aside.
Mix the following in a large bowl:
1 can white corn
1 can yellow corn
1 can mexi-corn
1 can pinto beans (drained)
1 can black beans (drained)
1 can black eyed peas (drained)
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup green pepper (chopped)
Pour cooled liquid mixture over bean/corn mixture and stir well. Refrigerate. Either strain before serving or serve with a slotted spoon. Delicious with Frito Scoops.
Drink - Cyclone Sunrise Shots
Guest picker, Sonny (Mr. Megatron)
I asked my husband to be my guest picker and he knocked it out of the park. Per usual, he pondered, planned, changed his mind several times, thought some more, sketched out a diagram, made a spreadsheet, implemented a trial run, gathered feedback (I’m exaggerating, but only a little), and came up with a delicious and fun idea: Cyclone Sunrise Shots.
Buy a gallon of orange juice and pour ¾ of the gallon into a different container. Replace the orange juice you emptied with your favorite tequila. This can go on ice in a cooler to stay chilled until it’s time to line ‘em up and knock ‘em down. When you’re ready, pour into shot glasses and top with a splash of grenadine. Admire the beautiful colors, cheers to our team and good health, drink, and then bring one to me.
Also, let’s all drink a lot of water on Saturday. It’s going to be so hot and I’m already a little worried about all of you. Water. So good. Please drink a lot of it.
Game - Flippy Cup
Guest picker - Sarah
It’s a race. It’s a drinking contest. It’s a battle of dexterity. It will make you drunker than you realize because you’re so caught up in the competition and screaming for your teammates, you forget you’ve just slammed beers repeatedly and then you will maybe need a nap. If you’ve never played, some rules are here, but it’s pretty straightforward and supply needs are relatively small. You can also play in a small space, which will be important for what’s certain to be a PACKED tailgate situation.
And when you’re done playing, how about a bottle of water? Doesn’t that sound good?
Song - “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
Guest picker - My kids
I asked my precious teenagers to choose a song together. After some vetoing of each other’s choices, some nixes from me, and a little arguing, they settled on this. I’ll be honest, I just kept asking them to choose songs so they’d hang out with me. Worked like a charm.
Defensive & Offensive Players to Watch: Week 2
El Assico is on the Horizon
By Dylan Coon
IOWA STATE
OFFENSE The thing to watch might just be is his playing time. Charlie Kolar was sidelined in the season opener against UNI, and the offense struggled. The Tom Manning tight end extravaganza took a back seat with little to no targets for tight ends on Saturday. Some of that, I’m assuming by design, but some of that was also due to no Charlie Kolar. Kolar is the one of Purdy’s favorite targets, and a great redzone weapon that felt lacking last Saturday.
Assuming Kolar is either near or at 100%, he could easily be the X factor and the missing piece to a well oiled offensive machine for the Cyclones.
DEFENSE I just looked both ways to make sure I wasn’t about to get ran over by Isheem Young, I would suggest Hawkeyes to do the same this weekend. Young was a sure thing on Saturday finishing with 5 tackles, and a momentum shifting interception.
Also, I know we technically lost yardage on that interception, but we all know the “int” is sexier in the box score than a pass deflection. Young is such a game changer. His hits can electrify the crowd, he’s a great open field tackler, and he’s worked on ‘cleaner’ tackles over the season. (Targeting is stupid and they need to re-write that rule, but whatever.)
IOWA
OFFENSE Tyler “Mr. Superbowl” Goodson, took some heat on Tuesday for calling it ‘our superbowl’. Side note, congratulations to Iowa State for qualifying for 3-4 super bowls a season. Goodson is the best player on the Iowa offense, outside of Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum will be great, but he isn’t going to win or lose this game. Goodson could. If the run game starts off strong, that’ll force Iowa State to stack the box and give Iowa the opportunity for big plays over the top.
Goodson had 99 yards against the Hoosiers, but 56 of those yards came from one big play at the start of the game. The rest of the game he averaged 2.3 yards per carry against a good, but not great, Indiana defense.
The running theme of this game is going to be which team can establish the run game, and which team can stop the run on defense. Whichever team is going to win that battle is going to win the game.
DEFENSE Now I’m not expecting Riley Moss to get two pick sixes in back to back games, but his performance against Indiana might be enough to dissuade Purdy from throwing it in his direction. Oddly enough, Moss only got one tackle the whole game.
That being said he had more receiving yards than any single receiver on Indiana, and was Michael Penix’s best receiver last Saturday.
2021 Game II: #9 Iowa State vs. #10 Iowa Football Preview
This is going be a backyard brawl.
2021 Game I: #9 Iowa State (1-0, 0-0) vs. #10 Iowa (1-0, 1-0 Big Ten)
Date:
Saturday, September 11th, 2021
Time:
3:30 P.M. CST
Location:
MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Capacity:
61,500
Line:
ISU (-4.5)
Television: ABC
Radio:
Cyclone Radio Network
SB Nation Website - Black Heart Gold Pants
Well, well, well, look what the cat drug into Ames. ESPN swallowed their pride and brought their prized college football pregame show to lowly Ames, Iowa. On Saturday in Ames, Iowa State and TOE will meet once again in the national spotlight. There’s only one safe bet when the Hoks and Cyclones play, and it’s that the game will get weird. This rivalry has lived up to its affectionate internet nickname, “¡El Assico!”, and we don't expect that to be any different on Saturday.
When we last left off....
We certainly didn’t drive home last week from the prettiest of games. Iowa State eeked a 16-10 victory over Northern Iowa and that should tell you everything you need to know.
The defense was spectacular as usual, as Heacock and the boys held the Northern Iowa offense to 0 points in the second half. At this point, we all need to go and buy these boys a surf and turn dinner for their spectacular efforts. I mean it is legal and all now. (Thanks, NIL.)
On the flip side, unfortunately, Tom Manning was asleep behind the playbook. The Cyclones seemingly ran the same plays over and over and showed absolutely no depth. Brock Purdy was efficient and on target all game but didn’t really force the issue or take many shots.
But let’s count our blessings. The e Cyclones came out of the game pretty healthy. O’Rien Vance was banged up late in the third quarter but Matt Campbell expects him back. We should also be seeing the return of All-American Tight End Charlie Kolar this week after tweaking his ankle a few weeks ago.
TOE Tidbits
TOE’s 34-6 rout of Indiana was the Hoks seventh straight victory, with those wins coming by an average of three or more touchdowns. Three of those victories were against Penn State, Wisconsin and the previously ranked Hoosiers.
TOE kind of looks like the team to beat in the Big Ten West. Wisconsin didn’t provide much to look at after last week and Northwestern, the defending Big Ten West Champs, looked lackluster against Michigan State. We aren’t saying it’s a given, but a door may have opened up for TOE.
The Series
Iowa leads the all-time series 45-22, with the TOE winning the last five games. Iowa State’s last win was back in 2014 when Cole Netten made a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Iowa State Offense
The Cyclones sustained several drives that ultimately resulted in scoring opportunities, but there was a noticable lack of explosive plays from the offense. Even more shocking, Northern Iowa controlled the line of scrimmage and Iowa State could not impose their will up front. It was a game of leverage and Iowa State lost it this past weekend. It’s been said that the biggest improvements on the offensive line come in-between weeks one and two. Let’s hope, folks.
First Key To Victory - Find The Leverage
Before the Northern Iowa game, we thought Iowa State would have a strong advantage over the TOE defensive line. While they may still have that weight-wise, TOE is going to play with great technique like Northern Iowa did. Simply put, Iowa State will have to out-technique Iowa’s good defensive line by beating TOE off the ball each time and taking back the line of scrimmage.
Hall looked pedestrian. He totaled 69 yards on the ground and one touchdown late in the first half. We learned on Monday night on the coach's radio program that Hall had been banged up a bit in fall camp, but is certainly healthy enough to play. It is imperative that Iowa State gets a good Breece Hall the rest of the season.
Purdy was efficient, but didn’t really stretch the field. Star receiver Xavier Hutchinson led the team with 88 yards and the longest completion on the day at 39 yards. As we mention year in and year out, Iowa State must stretch the field against TOE. If we allow them to sit and pin their ears back, it won’t be Purdy. (See what we did there?_
TOE Defense
TOE’s pass defense was on fire against Indiana last week, allowing just 202 passing yards and intercepting Michael Penix Jr. three times. Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns by cornerback Riley Moss, and a fourth TOE interception was called back due to a roughing-the-passer penalty. Similar to years past, TOE’s defense was very opportunistic.
TOE’s defensive line is relatively inexperienced compared to last year's group. Daviyon Nixon and Chauncy Gholston are both gone from last year. Zach VanValkenburg is the lone starter from all eight games last year, and Noah Shannon is a key returning contributor. While this group may be inexperienced, two things are certain: there is still talent in the group and they’re well-coached, even if they’re still finding their sea legs.
What may end up being the driving force for this TOE defense is the back seven, led by the cornerbacks Riley Moss, Matt Hankins and Xavior Williams. Riley Moss is the clear star of the group, especially after his play last season and against Indiana. This may ultimately end up being the matchup of the game. How will Iowa State make up for the lack of big plays in the passing game against a stout secondary group for TOE? It will be fun to watch unfold on Saturday.
The Verdict - Even
Iowa State is going to have to show much more on offense than what they did against Northern Iowa. We can assume they will, because if they don’t, it could be a very long day on the Iowa State sideline. On the other hand, the Hoks should see at least some improvement after last week’s disappointing offensive output, even if their ceiling is somewhat limited. For that reason, it’s a push.
Iowa State Defense
The Iowa State defense was stingy as heck once again on Saturday against Northern Iowa. Minus a few missed tackles that led to a long touchdown for Northern Iowa, the Cyclones defense didn’t really allow the Panther attack to move the ball much and Northern Iowa could only garner 45 yards on the ground. Which makes it appear they will be picking up right where they left off.
Iowa State has been absolutely lights-out in the second half of games as of late, as they’re currently riding a six-game streak of holding opponents to ten or fewer points in the second half (just 16 total points given up in that stretch). More often than not, many games are won in the second half, particularly with the style of game that Iowa State plays. Is this sustainable? It’s somewhat unclear, but we will gladly take that same effort on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking of effort, Iowa State is one of the nation’s best defenses against the run. TOE is one of those teams where, if you allow them freedom on the ground, it puts them in a rhythm that’s tough to stop. In the previous three meetings in the Cy-hawk game, Iowa State has allowed an average of 127 yards rushing per game. In Iowa State’s nine wins last season, on average they held their opponents to 88 yards rushing per game.
Second Key To Victory - Eliminate The Rushing Attack
There may be something to Spencer Petras on the other side of the ball. We just don’t quite know what it is yet. Until we know for sure, Iowa State needs to take away the TOE rushing attack and make the Hoks throw the ball. Iowa State has the personnel to match up defensively with TOE at each position.
Iowa State’s defensive line did a fine job generating a rush and controlling portions of the game against Northern Iowa. The Cyclones moved Enyi Uwazurike all over the line and Will McDonald recorded a sack. We still don’t know what the Cyclones really have outside of those two, but we should get a better idea following their test on Saturday afternoon.
TOE Offense
While TOE is phenomenal defensively, questions still remain on offense outside of Tyler Goodson. Those questions fall right on the shoulders of quarterback Spencer Petras. The TOE junior completed 57% of his passes last season for 1,569 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
On Saturday in the Hoks win over Indiana, Petras was 13 of 27 for 145 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 48% completion percentage may be a bit misleading due to drops and throwaways, but questions of accuracy continue to linger.
Thankfully for Petras, TOE has a very capable running back in Tyler Goodson. Goodson was coincidentally was in the same recruiting class as Breece Hall. Both running backs were courted by both the Hoks and Iowa State.
The Hok junior ran the ball 19 times for 99 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown. Goodson may very well be the key to the game for TOE. The Hoks don’t quite know what they have in the passing game, especially with some new receivers working their way into the rotation. We fully expect the Hoks to try and establish Goodson early and often and try to gain the upper hand on the Iowa State defense physically. This leads us to the next key to victory...
Third Key To Victory - Create Turnovers
One of the more staggering statistics in this five-game losing streak is TOE has not once turned the ball over. Not one time. Zero. Zilch. How in the name of Gene Chizik does that even happen? This is why Iowa State must did into their little corn-fed hearts and find a way to create a turnover on Saturday. Our advice? We all know Petras is inaccurate, so take advantage.
The Verdict - Iowa State
Both defenses should be very entertaining to watch this weekend. Iowa State’s is covered with veterans from top to bottom, and the scheme allows them to defend a wide variety of offensive attacks. While Iowa’s bread-and-butter running game and tight ends are undeniably effective, the lack of production from receivers and a largely unimpressive quarterback limits their ceiling to a certain extent.
The Cyclones have to stop the run. They can’t afford to miss tackles and allow the TOE backs to create more yardage. Field position will also be key – Heackock and the boys can be the best offense for Iowa State on Saturday.
Special Teams
If anything can make an Iowa State fan as nervous as a TOE graduate’s first day at McDonald’s, it’s special teams. We finally did see the elusive kickoff out of bounds on Saturday. Actually three of them, so small victories. There are still significant jitters for us when it comes to the punting group. We aren’t sold that Iowa State has the right punter out there. We still have flashbacks of all the shanks that Corey Dunn had in Iowa City back in 2018. And while he did have a decent day, there is certainly more to be desired.
As for TOE, they were solid as usual. If we know anything about a Hok team, it’s that special teams are not going to lose them a game, and rarely are mistakes had on that front for them anyway.
The Verdict- TOE
It pains us, but we give the nod to TOE here. Until Iowa State gets consistency from every facet of special teams, the opposing squad will have the upper hand.
Winning Scale from 1 to 10
Saturday is going to be one of the hottest days we have had in a while. So naturally it had to fall on this game. Have no fear, as we will drink plenty of water, or Busch Light. Whatever works.
On a scale of 1 to 10. With 1 being in Antarctica and 10 being on the face of the sun. I give this game a “We’re damn near the sun” chance of winning.
Final Analysis
This is going to be an intense matchup.
Incredibly, College GameDay is back in town again! It’s an incredible opportunity for the state of Iowa and Iowa State University to showcase everything they have to offer, from food to spirit, and yes, even the rivalry.
And now back to the game. This has to be it for Iowa State. We know there are more opportunities to play Iowa after this, but with this group of players in the National spotlight, the Cyclones need this one to add to their resume. Of course, we believe the Clones will get it done but it isn’t going to be easy. TOE is going to throw haymakers and we’re excited to see how Iowa State responds.
Let’s get this game going!
Final Score
Iowa State 24
TOE 17
Hit us up with your predictions in the comment section below!
AHF Featured Farm: Wyatt and Sons Farms
Actually Helping Farmers.
By Aiden_Wyatt
Here at Wide Right & Natty Lite, we do our best to Actually Help Farmers, and since we couldn’t afford stickers on a helmet with zero other purpose, we decided that we would make an effort to support Iowa farmers in another way.
That being said, we are excited to announce the AHF Featured Farm Project. We are searching for farms in Iowa (or outside) that bring passion to the fields, both football and corn. Every nominated farm will have the option to purchase a custom shirt featuring their farm logo, and our AHF logo on the back (click here to purchase Wyatt and Sons Farms’ shirt) . 50% of all shirt sales will go towards Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Farm Crisis Center in efforts to Actually Help Farmers.
Our first farm is one that is near and dear to my heart, Wyatt and Sons Farms. I had the chance to chat with Matt Wyatt, the 4th generation of the farm. Based out of Hudson, Iowa, “North of the metropolis that is Voorhies,” (worth noting they are proud members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck School District), Wyatt and Sons Farms was formed back in the 70’s once Frank Wyatt joined his dad Everett, after attending Iowa State University, farming the same ground he grew up on with his sister, Janet, and his brother, Jim. Before that, Noble Mason started the farm in the 1920s. The farm recently received the Century Farm Award at this year’s Iowa State Fair, being honored as a 2020 Century Farm.
When asked what Actually Helping Farmers meant to them, Matt said “Iowa State helps farmers because they educate them. Not only through the undergraduate programs, but also through their extension programs. Whether it’s livestock or crops, a lot of that research helps the American farmer feed the world.”
Wyatt and Sons Farms are some of the biggest Cyclone fans you’ll meet: “As long as I can remember,” Matt told WRNL. Frank Wyatt was the first to go to Iowa State, his late wife Susan being an honorary Cyclone if there ever was one, always supporting the Cyclones and each of her children that attended. After Frank, both of his sons Monte and Matt attended the greatest place on Earth, where they met their spouses and have a combined 4 kids attending Iowa State currently. 3 generations of Cyclones for those of you keeping track. “We love the Clones. Win or lose, we still booze!”
Special thanks to the Wyatt Family for their kind donation and for Actually Helping Farmers.
Have a family farm or know someone actually helping farmers? Email widerightnattylite@gmail.com to be featured!
Editor’s Preview
By: Levi Stevenson
What a weekend this promises to be. Not only the first-ever ranked matchup in this rivalry, but a top-ten matchup. But, strangely enough, the winner of this game walks away with little more than bragging rights (weighty as they might be). But that dramatic, pivotal pointlessness is precisely what makes this rivalry and college football as a whole so great. A simple contest of “my football team can beat up your football team,” with nothing to gain but the ability say you were right.
And that’s really what this game will probably be. A fight.
But you’ve heard that all week. In fact, you’ve probably heard that your whole life, because it becomes manifestly true with staggering consistency. And this game probably won’t be any different.
But it might be.
Never before has Iowa State held personnel advantages at arguably every position besides defensive back, and never before have they been so roundly favored by the general public, including many Iowa fans, by my unofficial measure.
We’ve all been talking about this game to death for this week and even long before that, so there’s probably nothing I can really talk about here that you haven’t heard a thousand times.
That said, give me the ‘Clones in a game that isn’t as close as you thought it was gonna be.
Iowa State - 27
Iowa - 16