Iowa State in similar situation

[NT80]

Clark: Time is now for Iowa State to start thinking of future

By NANCY CLARK

REGISTER SPORTS COLUMNIST

November 5, 2006

Ames, Ia. - No bowl game. No winning season. All Iowa State will play for in its final two games is a nice sendoff for the seniors.

And maybe for a coach.

Dan McCarney will return next season, as far as we know, even though the Cyclones have become little more than tasty morsels for Big 12 Conference opponents.

But if it is time for housecleaning, include the players.

Iowa State's fumble-fingered 41-10 loss to Kansas on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium emphasized just how crucial it is for the 3-7 Cyclones to use their closing games against Colorado and Missouri to establish something for next season.

There's no offense. No defense. No innovation. No inspiration.

"It's embarrassing to come out and play like that," said Shawn Moorehead, who had 2.5 sacks, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass to help a defense, the Big 12's worst, that gave up 403 yards.

"It seems like we're in a spiral," defensive back Jason Harris said.

McCarney was openly apologetic.

"Our fans deserve better than what we gave them today," he said.

Athletic director Jamie Pollard paused when asked what positives he saw in a loss that gave the Jayhawks their largest margin of victory on the road since their very first Big 12 game, a 28-point win over Oklahoma in 1996. Pollard didn't take the opportunity to defend his coach.

"The fans at the start of the game," he said after searching for an answer. "We had hoped they would come out and appreciate the fact that there are 21 seniors on this team."

The fans who remained at the end were split into two camps. The diehards on the west upper deck cheered for the Cyclones as they drove for their only touchdown, which came on a 1-yard run by fullback Ryan Kock after Iowa State trailed 41-3 with just under 5 minutes to play. Others openly mocked the home team.

"Go for two!" some cheered after the meaningless touchdown.

(Laughter.)

"Onside kick!"

(More laughter.)

Iowa State was called offsides on the kickoff.

"Way to go, McCarney!"

(More laughter.)

McCarney's not laughing. His players aren't laughing.

"Those kids are bleeding inside," McCarney said, "and the coaches are."

There's more pain ahead. Tough decisions need to be made.

Are the current Cyclone players capable of forging a team that's a contender in 2007? Who does Iowa State have to build around? Who are the franchise players? Or are there any?