Cyclones searching for fun amid 'difficult' season

 By Rob Gray

 Correspondent

 AMES - Fun.

An inappropriate word, seemingly, to be focused on as Iowa State (1-8, 0-6 Big 12) seeks to end a thoroughly disappointing season on the upswing - beginning with today's 11 a.m. Fox Sports 1-televised game at No. 22 Oklahoma.

But why not enjoy the ride, even if bumps have turned into menacing, razor-ridged mountain ranges?

Why not play loose and fast, regardless of record, and despite no bowl game to look forward to for the second time in five seasons?

“We don't have anything to lose,” said linebacker Jeremiah George, who ranks fourth nationally in tackles per game at 11.3. “We're in a very difficult position, but it's the game of football and it's supposed to be played with fun and emotion.”

That's not always easy against the Sooners (7-2, 3-2) who have beaten the Cyclones 14 consecutive times and excel at power football.

Oklahoma's the only Big 12 team other than No. 4 Baylor to rush for more than 200 yards per game and features a stable of capable backs in Brennan Clay, Roy Finch and Damien Williams running behind a fortress-like offensive line.

“They do so much - so many different formations, so many different personnel groupings,” ISU defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. “They make the opposing team adjust. You can't just go out there and say, ‘OK, we'll do this no matter what they do.'”

No, the Sooners don't allow that to happen.

Playing at Memorial Stadium rarely evokes a fun feeling from the visitors.

Under coach Bob Stoops, Oklahoma is 50-3 at home against Big 12 foes.

The Cyclones stand 5-70-2 all-time against the Sooners and have beaten them once - 33-31 in 1990 at Norman - since 1961.

“It's as lopsided (a series) as exists in the Iowa State record books,” ISU coach Paul Rhoads noted.

None of which matters to Iowa State's players, most of whom weren't even born in 1990.

There's one key truth they've latched on to since setting foot on campus in Ames.

The impossible can happen.

They've not only seen it, but done it as perpetual underdogs across the Big 12 landscape.

“We've pulled off upsets, we've beat other people because we feel like we're just as good as they are on the field and not letting the logo on their helmet or the name on their shirt intimidate you,” said fifth-year senior running back Jeff Woody, who leads the Cyclones with five rushing touchdowns. “With as poor as the record has been this year, a win like this would be huge. It would be something that - not that I think all fans are on the ledge - but a few fans that are on the ledge, it will get them back off, just because something like this can mean so much to people that have been here for so long.”

So cue up that fun factor.

That involves celebrating and savoring hard hits, big plays; fitted gaps and pass breakups.

It begins in practice and should spill onto the field.

“They're the ones that have got to lead that,” Rhoads said. “I could jump around all I want or wear a costume or wear a tutu or whatever. Unless they commit to enjoying practice and having fun playing (the game), it's not going to happen.”

They're called “plays” for a reason.

And “players”, too.

“If it's not fun for you,” senior safety Jacques Washington said, “you shouldn't play it.”