Dec 5, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State running back Breece Hall (28) rushes during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday. Iowa State takes a 21-0 lead over West Virginia into halftime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports
With Iowa State and Iowa set to square off in the most anticipated matchup in the rivalry’s history, it would be natural for someone to wonder if the outside hype of the game could be a distraction.
That’s especially the case when you consider the game’s national television broadcast slot, the presence of ESPN’s College Gameday and both teams being ranked in the top-10 of this week’s AP Top-25.
That’s a recipe for anyone to be concerned about either team being caught up in the headlines and outside noise, including, apparently, Iowa running back Tyler Goodson.
Everyone knows the best way to focus on yourself is by wondering if the opponent will be distracted by outside noise.
Naturally, as we were at Iowa State media availability when that quote came across the Twitter timeline, it was an opportune time to ask an Iowa State player how they prevent the outside noise from becoming a distraction this week.
I want to make clear that the question posed to Hall had nothing to do with Goodson. Hall probably didn’t even know the quote was out there. It was all about avoiding distractions and keeping the outside noise from becoming an issue this week.
Cyclone fans can rest assured these players aren’t worried about anything but the football game on Saturday and focusing on themselves.
