The Next Step In The Process

One of the most anticipated football seasons in Iowa State football history is finally upon us. The fan base is buzzing, the media attention is roaring, and Matt Campbell and his bunch looked poised as ever to take their next step in the famed “Process”.

As we sit here the day before Iowa State takes on South Dakota State to open the 2018 season, I cant help but look back on what the 2017 season was. An upset over Oklahoma in Norman to snap a forgettable streak. A ranked matchup win over TCU at Jack Trice Stadium that thrusted Iowa State’s defense into the national spotlight. Finally, the Liberty Bowl victory of the hometown Memphis Tigers. All this has led us to the next step in the process.

Now we sit here and ask what’s next. Can the Cyclones do it again? Can they make a bigger splash in the Big 12 than a year before? Can thet bump elbows with the conference’s elite? All these are valid questions as we roll closer to Saturday.

The fans believe, the coaches believe, and most importantly the players believe in what Matt Campbell has been selling since his arrival in Ames. There are the skeptics out there, and rightfully so, given that Iowa State has never seen sustained success on the football field. After all, Iowa State was picked to finish seventh in the Big 12 by the media, even after an 8-5 season in 2017. The outsiders may have their doubts, but none of that will matter come Saturday when South Dakota State makes its way to Ames.

Come kickoff on Saturday, I will be firmly entrenched on the 30 yard line on the east sideline as happy as a clam, waiting with a ton on excitement to see what these Cyclones have to offer a fan base that is as a loyal and passionate as any in the entire country. If I had to guess, I don’t think they’ll let us down like many times in the past when the hype was building. These Cyclones are different, and I can’t wait to see what the next step in the process is.