Face it, Jamie Pollard...

The whole state is not going to cater to your needs.

And thank you Sean Keeler for telling him this. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/SPORTS05/612140411

Jamie Pollard's Cyclones didn't fare to well against Northern Iowa and Drake this season. As of now, the Missouri Valley has a higher RPI than the Big 12, but the Valley is still regarded as a mid-major conference ... that just so happens to have one of its teams in the top 10.

The Iowa State athletic director think he boost Iowa State programs to the national level. He also needs to raise funds for all of his improvements to the Iowa State facilities. So, his solution: play Drake and Northern Iowa on a neutral court. Of course, Iowa and Iowa State can keep its home-and-home series.

Pollard came to Iowa State to make a splash and, well ... they don't call it the Hawkeye State for nothing. So he has to go after the smaller Division I schools. He already rained on the Panthers and Bulldogs' season football opener.

Luckily, the idea won't fly. Drake's Sandy Hatfield Clubb and Northern Iowa's Rick Hartzell gave him a collective, "When pigs fly," response ... just a little nicer. Playing in Wells Fargo Arena is expensive, and Drake and Northen Iowa aren't going to give up a chance to control the funds coming in.

Jamie, some advice, less billboards, more people skills.

Next up: Iowa

To quote my dad: Greg McDermott got the loser hat trick Friday night in Iowa State’s 77-59 lose to Iowa at Carver Hawkeye arena.

It’s not too surprising, though. Iowa and Iowa State are both rebuilding, Iowa State a little more so. The Cyclones are working with a new coach and lost its two best players from last season to the NBA.

Iowa is working with new players, too, but it still most of its starters were reserves last season. It’s also getting a huge boost from newcomer Tyler Smith.

Here's my analysis that was in Monday's Times-Delphic. Scouting the Hawkeyes - Sports

Who do you think is going to win. People I've talked to said the stars are aligned this year, so if Drake doesn't do it this year, it's going to be a while before it is able to do it again.

Are you going to the game? It was announced Monday evening that tickets are sold out.

The Valley flexes its muscles

Northern Iowa beat Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena 57-55 — the first time in 21 years. Illinois State beat Miami of Ohio 64-46. Bradley got a 88-49 win over Wright State, and Evansville squeaked by Valparaiso 69-65. No to mention, Wichita State is 10th in the AP poll. Tenth!

Hopefullly the Drake men's team watched the Panthers beat the Hawkeyes and will now think, "Hey, we can do that, too."

Northern Iowa cracked the key for Drake already. Contain Adam Haluska, get Tyler Smith into foul trouble and get the big men to score some points. Aliou Keita had a great game against the Hawkeyes in 2004. So hopefully he can do it again. He shouldn't have any trouble going against Hawkeye center Kurt Looby. He had more fouls against the Panthers than points.

Are you going to the Dec. 16 game?

On the women's side, the Valley wasn't so muscular. Drake lost to Iowa State 70-62 in Ames. The Bulldogs, who were a preseason pick to finish atop the Valley, will be challenged to live up to those expectations without senior forward Jill Martin, who will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury. Luckily for Martin and Drake, there's always next year. Martin received a medical hardship redshirt from the NCAA and will be able to play for the team next year.

How do you think the Drake women will fare now without its star forward who averaged 20 points per game?

Happy Birthday Dr. Tom

The Drake men's basketball team gave coach Tom Davis a win for his 68th birthday on Dec. 3 at Hilton Coliseum with an 80-78 win. It was the Bulldogs' first win in Ames 1978.

The Doc's day almost ended in heartbreak though. Iowa State's Dodie Dunson sunk a 3-pointer that would have given they Cyclones the win, but he got it off too late and it was waived off.

Phew. Drake finally got a break!

I was sitting on press row trying to restrain myself. Luckily I was sitting next to a member of Drake's sports information department instead of one of the media regulars. I have a great respect for the basketball players. My heart was pounding, but they all stayed cool enough to win.

What did you think was going to happen down the stretch?

The Bulldogs need to carry this momentum into their tournament and get some revenge against Troy.

And fans, you need to buy tickets to the Drake-Iowa game. I know $27 is a lot, but it's going to be a great game, and Drake has a fighting chance. I've said this before, but seriously, this is the year. Drake has veteran players and some great newcomers. And Iowa has ... Adam Haluska. That's it, really. So show up and wear blue. Make the Hawkeyes stay home.

Predictions for the other Big 4 games?

Northern Iowa is at Iowa on Tuesday. Iowa State is at Iowa on Friday.

The Drake-Northern Iowa series starts next year.