Since this was the homecoming game, I was an honorary alumni band member for the day and pushed my aunt LaVonne during the halftime show. Today marks the 5th straight year that I have helped with the homecoming halftime show. Last year's win vs #4 TCU, the Cyclones' 2016 loss to Kansas State, the 2015 win vs Texas, and the 2014 win vs Toledo were the previous homecoming games that I helped with. Today's band performance was pretty easy for me. All we had to do was march onto the field at the south 35 yard line, wait for the band to play a couple of songs, and then march off on the 35. In years past I would have to move 5 yards here or there, but today there was no choreography to remember.
As for the game, the Red Raiders got off to a fast start and led 10-0 after the first quarter thanks in part to a blocked punt that they recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Texas Tech would also score another defensive TD late in the game. Despite this adversity, the Cyclones were able to make enough big plays to come away with the victory. Hakeem Butler hauled in a 48-yard TD pass from Brock Purdy to seal the win for Iowa State.
This marks just the third time that I have seen ISU play Texas Tech in football. The last time that I was in attendance for an ISU victory vs Texas Tech was in 2002, which is best known for Seneca Wallace's "The Run". Of course, I also saw the Cyclones lose to the Red Raiders back in 2012.
Eben brought Linda down for the game, and then afterwards he took us all out to eat at Hickory Park. I had a 1/4 chicken dinner with fries and buttered corn. Nom nom nom.
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| My view of the field during the first half. I normally sit with LaVonne at field level right by the corner of the end zone! |
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| Nolan being silly at Hickory Park. |
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| Maxwell posing with Cy. |
