Pre-Game thoughts from Ames

<p><em class="gnmEkDate">Originally Published: Nov 7, 2009 12:5 PM CDT</em></p>Some thoughts just 4 hours before kickoff in Ames:This has been considered a trap game by some, and Iowa State only needs

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 1:18 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 7, 2009 12:5 PM CDT

Some thoughts just 4 hours before kickoff in Ames:This has been considered a trap game by some, and Iowa State only needs one more victory to be bowl-eligible, but I can’t buy into the Texas hangover theory. There are too many players at key positions for OSU that are angry about their performance last weekend and appear ready for a chance to prove they’re better than what they showed on Halloween night. There may be a bit of a slow start, but I’ll be surprised if it lasts more than a quarter.The Cyclones’ Austen Arnaud is set to be back at the starter at quarterback. He’s an Ames native, and linebacker Jesse Smith is also from Iowa. They’ll be emotional leaders for Iowa State, and that helps push the intangibles in ISU’s favor.The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in rushing- the Cowboys will counter with as many as 9 “in the box” to stop the run. Can Arnaud make enough plays through the air?It would be almost impossible to find better weather in Ames in November than today. No howling, ikcy wind to affect passing games, or make players from more southern areas feel less than comfy.Kendall Hunter has had a good week of practice, but what will that mean today? Coaches have been consistent in saying they hope to get 8-10 carries from him.Finally, I like the matchup of OSU’s tight ends against ISU’s linebackers, specifically the more athletic Justin Horton for the Cowboys. He could have an impact.