The Iowa State Cyclones are headed to a bowl game for the first time since 2005. The Cyclones will take on Minnesota in the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona on December 31st. I.S.U. finished 6-6 in Paul Rhoads first season as head coach.

Rhoads says they are thrilled to death to death to be playing in a bowl game, practicing in December and being able to play. Iowa State played in the Insight Bowl in 2000 and beat Pittsburgh 37-29 when Rhoads was part of the Panther’s staff.

Rhoads says that was about 10 years ago and he says he felt the Cyclone Nation every single snap, and he expects the same response this time around. Senior center Reggie Stephens is thrilled that his Cyclone career will end in a bowl game. Stephens says he is just happy to get to extend the season one more game.

The bowl bid comes a year after the Cyclones failed to win a Big-12 conference game. Stephens says to enjoy your happiest momemnts, you have to endure some bad ones, and that makes it better overall.

Minnesota also finished the season 6-6.