The Pylons -- Iowa State

Really, there are eight pylons, but we'll stick to four because only four are the goal, unless you're Packers kick returner Randall Cobb, who went pylons-to-pylons last night.

I love you, NFL.

1. To redshirt or not to redshirt, that is a much harder decision than you might think

Jordan Canzeri is in play. Kirk Ferentz said this week any running back who can help is in play.

Canzeri is a true freshman who hovers around 180 pounds. Ferentz has said the goal is to win now, so the measure is if Canzeri can help Iowa "win now" or if his future isn't better off with the redshirt.

There aren't a ton of names on that depth chart after Mika'il McCall's season-ending ankle injury last week.

Marcus Coker is the lead, no matter what happened last week. Walk-on Jason White is the No. 2, or so Ferentz and the depth chart say. That's flexible. Redshirt freshman De'Andre Johnson is a 210-pounder with a powerful build. He should be 100 percent after a torn ACL two years ago. True freshman Damon Bullock is in. He lined up as a slot receiver last week, but is headed back to running back. Canzeri is No. 5, if only because of the redshirt.

In the open scrimmage, Canzeri rushed seven times for 48 yards. He showed quick feet and an eye for open space. Still, he hovers around 180 pounds. Not a lot of 180-pound running backs in the Big Ten. Thus, the debate.

If Canzeri has shown in the last month what he showed during the open scrimmage, he's in this race. It he weighs less than 180 pounds, there must really be a debate among coaches. Win now. Best for the kid.

My guess would be redshirt, but the debate rages and there is a lot of season left.

2. Iowa State defense vs. Iowa offense

This is your marquee matchup.

James Vandenberg vs. ISU's secondary is the key within the key. Coker vs. ISU LBs Jake Knott and A.J. Klein is the key within the key in the key.

You've seen the stat with ISU coach Paul Rhoads and 24 points. It means just about everything for ISU to hold opponents to less than 24. That's the key, the real key.

3. Trophy

Don't really care anymore. In fact, get over yourself, trophy-gate.

Whatever the trophy is, Iowa has it right now. The interim is with the team that won it last year. I'm not sure we'll see what it is until the clock is four zeroes tomorrow.

My vote is no Heroes Game trophy. Just leave the concept. It's a wonderful notion. It doesn't really need a trophy. No more trophies.

4. Pray

I was floored by the news on former Hawkeye defensive back Brett Greenwood.

Interviewing Brett was interesting. I'm not sure how he was in his life, but he kept things close to the vest with media. I was able to get a few laughs out of him over the years. He's a very genuine person. His teammates always held him in the highest regard.

The next 12 or so hours are critical. Please pray for a wonderful young person who makes the world better.