Week One : 2 Star Pick

For the 2 star selection on opening weekend, our gaze shifts westward (just a little) into the Big 12 (future membership of 10) and the geographic center of Iowa (the 29th state) toward Ames (population 51,000) and the Iowa State Cyclones (enrollment 28,000), who open their season as a favorite (2 points) when they host Jerry Kill's Northern Illinois Huskies. 

When the lines were released my cellphone began emitting what seemed to be a particularly shrill and strident call for my attention. It was Two Gun Pete, and he was nearly breathless, and it was not for that he had suddenly learned the origin of the Cyclones name. 

"Cy", the Iowa State mascot.
 Yes, he's a bird AND a cyclone.
Go figure.

We shall, at this time, hold Two Gun in breathless abeyance while we explore the origins of the name. 

Tornadoes were referred to as cyclones "back in the day". Back in the day refers herein specifically to 1895, when the Iowa State football team traveled to none other than beautiful Evanston, Illinois, to take on the touted Northwestern football team.  Iowa State crushed NU 36-0, prompting the Chicago Tribune to report that Evanston had been struck by a cyclone from Iowa, and the name stuck. 

Now, back to the current day, and the fearless prognosticator, Two Gun Pete (who will soon be unveiling a new feature, Pete's Perfect Parlay, a wager not for those lacking nerves of steel).  Pete and I share an overriding view of Northern Illinois as somewhat of an underachiever on the gridiron. His lack of ardor for the Huskies is steeled by a general distemper directed toward the MAC.  On this evening, Two Gun reminded me that I have been generally sweet on Iowa State over the years, and when that was combined with NIU's tortoise-speed ascendency into a major league football program, we had a cannot miss opportunity. 

The Huskies are ranked #49 in the Sporting News preseason.  Iowa State is ranked #82.  Both teams return veteran QB's who haven't had stout careers thus far.  NIU runs the ball well.  Really well.  They have a strong run-stopping defense.    Iowa State retooled its defense last year and is unproven at key positions.  Both teams have coaches with whom they're very happy. 

The final reckoning:  despite signs pointing to the contrary, the Cyclones at home will cover (on a defensive TD) as NIU underperforms once again.

Monday: the 3 star for opening weekend.