Iowa State football: Schedule changes affect games against Kansas State, Toledo
By Brian Spaen
Two home games on Iowa State’s 2014 football schedule will change, and the Cyclones will have a rare non-conference game after Big 12 play is in full swing.
Nov 2, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Robert Rose (5) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Levi Peters (35) and defensive back Kenneth Lynn (6) during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats defeat the Cyclones 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Cyclones’ official website announced October 11th’s game against the Kansas State Wildcats has been moved to September 6th, the Saturday between the home opener against North Dakota State and at Iowa. This was originally a bye week for the Cyclones.
Also, the game against Toledo, originally scheduled for September 20th, will be moved to October 11th and will become the new homecoming game. That week will now become a new bye week, keeping the Cyclones with three on the season.
Why the change in dates? No reason was given on the Cyclones.com release, but the Ames Tribune’s Bobby La Gesse reports that it was because of TV reasons.
"“We were asked by the Big 12 and our television partners if we would be willing to make these changes in order to help the conference with our league’s overall balance of games on various weekends,” [Iowa State athletic director Jamie] Pollard said. “We felt the changes did not put us at a disadvantage so we agreed to the changes to help our league.”"
That’s no surprise at all. The Big 12 has recently had spotlight Big 12 conference games throughout the month of September, and this change will almost guarantee Iowa State will have a national telecast on September 6th (likely something on FOX or ABC).
Unfortunately, the move creates a real tough stretch to open the season for the Cyclones. Luckily the game against the Wildcats at home, but starting off the season with the Bison, them, and the Hawkeyes will be a tall order for a team that’s trying to rebound from this season.