Cyclone Roundup: 5-15 Edition

By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams 

Who doesn’t love the middle of May?

You know, back in the day (I’m starting to sound like an old man) literally nothing used to happen from a college athletics standpoint during this time of the year. But for the third year in a row, it appears that realignment is going to be a story over the next couple of months. That’s not a bad thing either – at least it isn’t from an Iowa State perspective. For the first time in three years, the Cyclones are safe. No more sleepless nights. No more biting off your fingernails. Just grab some popcorn and a cold beverage. Sit back and enjoy the drama.

Before we dig into the latest in realignment, here are today’s Cyclone headlines.

FOOTBALL OFFER: According to the Twitter feed of JCGridiron.com Publisher Brad Hoiseth, Iowa State has offered Blinn (JUCO) defensive tackle Stuart Mouchantaf not only a scholarship, but a chance to come to Ames "right away."

According to his Rivals.com profile, Mouchantaf claims offers Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech and Texas Tech. Mouchantaf’s profiles has him listed at 6-foot-4, 295 pounds.

OSEMELE IMPRESSES: Smart money says that former Cyclone offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele will start as a rookie for the Baltimore Ravens. According to this blog, Osemele "stood out" in Baltimore’s rookie camp last weekend. 

HOOPS RECRUITING NOTES: One of Iowa State’s top targets in the class of 2013, Matt Thomas, unofficially visited Virginia yesterday. I’ve yet to see a link as to how it went.

In other news, according to RecruitLists.com, 2013 point guard Monte Morris will visit Iowa State on June 8. Morris currently claims offers from Iowa State, Arizona State, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Providence, Virginia, Southern California, Western Michigan and Princeton.

REALIGNMENT: I spent the bulk of my Monday afternoon in Des Moines visiting with our advertisers, other media members and Iowa State fans alike. Big 12 expansion is on the mind! It’s literally all the people seem to be talking about. That whole May 15 thing has a lot to do with it too. But even so, Florida State to the Big 12 has legs. How do I know this?

If it didn’t, why would Florida State’s president feel the need to write this letter to fans leading the push to the Big 12?

Here are a few more must-reads regarding this situation…

— This is a strong column written by Warchant.com’s Gene Williams & D.C. Reeves that debates Florida State’s presidents points against going to the Big 12. 

NOTE: Florida State’s "fan site" publishers seem to be going against the president on this one. Again – Columns like these are the reasons why the president probably felt the need to send out that email. Crazy times!

— Does Florida State fit in the Big 12? John Crist of NoleDigest.com investigates. He appears to be a little less thrilled about the Big 12 move than the Warchant.com guys.

— Some perspective from Big 12 country, as the Oklahoman’s Berry Tramel looks into how FSU would "fit" in the league. 

— It wouldn’t be realignment season without thoughts from Chip Brown. 

— It’s funny how so many realignment stories come out of Austin, Texas. Weird right? Texas’ AD chimes in. 

SOME EXTRA READING MATERIAL…

— The Iowa State athletic department kicked off its 2012 "Tailgate Tour" on Monday in Dubuque.  — Cyclones.com

— Leave the BCS? That would be a very, very bad thing to for any conference to do. — Forbes.com

— A feature on future Iowa State kicker Cole Netten, who is ready to become a Cyclones. — The Des Moines Register

— How many wins should a school have to have to play in a bowl games? The Des Moines Register wants your opinion.