The college football transfer portal opened its doors on December 9 and will close on December 28. This period has seen significant movement among Iowa State football players, with several choosing to explore new opportunities elsewhere. Let's take a closer look at the players who have entered the portal and their situations.

Uncovering the Iowa State Football Transfer Stories

Trent Jones II: From Walk-On to Portal

Trent Jones II, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive end, started as a walk-on but worked his way to a scholarship player. Last year, he was a regular in all 13 games, recording 19 tackles and three sacks. However, this season, his role diminished, and he managed only six tackles. With one year of eligibility left, he decided to enter the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start and more playing time.His journey from an unknown walk-on to a significant contributor on the team shows the potential for hard work and dedication. It's a reminder that every player has a chance to make an impact, regardless of their initial status.

Drake Knobloch: The Redshirt Sophomore Long Snapper's Decision

Drake Knobloch, a redshirt sophomore from Winterset, Iowa, has been the Cyclones' long snapper for punts and kicks for the past two seasons. He played in all 13 games last year but saw a role reduction this season. After appearing in Iowa State's first two games against North Dakota and Iowa, he decided to enter the transfer portal.Long snapping is a crucial but often overlooked position in football. Knobloch's decision highlights the importance of every player on the team and their pursuit of personal growth and development.

J.J. Kohl: The Four-Star Recruit's Transfer Journey

J.J. Kohl, a 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman backup quarterback from nearby Ankeny High School, entered the transfer portal. Despite being a highly touted recruit, he didn't see any action this season. Last year, he played in three games, completing 9-of-11 passes for 23 yards and running the ball six times for 32 yards.The transfer portal offers players like Kohl the chance to find a better fit and potentially fulfill their potential. It's a decision that requires careful consideration but can lead to significant career opportunities.

Ryan Robinson Jr.: The Redshirt Freshman Defensive Back's Move

Ryan Robinson Jr., a redshirt freshman defensive back from New Orleans, La., was the first Cyclones player to enter the transfer portal. He didn't appear in any games this season but originally transferred to Iowa State after playing in four games for LSU last year. With three years of eligibility remaining, he is looking for a new challenge and a chance to prove himself.Defensive backs play a vital role in football, and Robinson Jr.'s transfer shows the competitiveness within the sport. Players are constantly striving to improve and find the right environment to showcase their skills.

Keegan Shackford: The Walk-On Placekicker's Graduate Transfer

Keegan Shackford, a walk-on placekicker from Ashburn, Va., is entering the portal as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility left. He primarily served as a kickoff specialist in the 2022 and 2023 seasons and also handled kickoffs early this season.His decision to transfer as a graduate student highlights the dedication and passion of these players. They are willing to put in the work and seek new opportunities to continue their football careers.Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys are set to face off in a highly anticipated "Monday Night Football" matchup. Both teams entered the 2024 season with lofty Super Bowl aspirations, but as of now, the trajectory seems to be leaning more towards "bust" rather than hoisting the Lombardi trophy. Joe Burrow and the Bengals have struggled to find their rhythm, currently sitting at 4-8 and having a long shot at making the playoffs. Despite their offensive prowess, having scored 25 points or more in eight games this season, their record in those games is a disappointing 2-6, largely due to a porous defense.

The Battle for Monday Night: Bengals vs. Cowboys - Who Will Prevail?

Offensive Prowess vs. Defensive Woes

The Bengals' offense has been one of the best in the NFL this season, consistently putting up points. However, their defense has let them down, allowing opponents to score easily. On the other hand, the Cowboys, with Cooper Rush at the helm since Dak Prescott's injury, have been serviceable but have yet to find that winning formula. The clash between these two units will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. 2: The Bengals' offensive stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow have been the driving force behind their high-scoring games. Chase, in particular, has been on fire, hauling in touchdowns left and right. But their defense has been a liability, giving up big plays and allowing opponents to stay in the game. The Cowboys, on the other hand, need to find a way to exploit the Bengals' defense and put up more points to have a chance at winning.

Halftime Showdown

At halftime, the Bengals hold a 7-point lead over the Cowboys, 17-10. The Cowboys went three-and-out on their final possession of the first half, giving the Bengals the upper hand. The second half will be crucial as both teams fight for victory. 2: The Bengals' Cade York extended their lead just before the half with a 37-yard field goal. This gave them some breathing room and put the Cowboys in a tough position. Dallas will need to come out strong in the second half and score some points to make a comeback.

Key Players and Moments

Throughout the game, there have been several key plays and moments that have shaped the outcome. From Geno Stone's interception in the red zone to CeeDee Lamb's big gains, every play has been crucial. 2: CeeDee Lamb's 43-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter was a turning point in the game. It brought the Cowboys close to the red zone and gave them some momentum. But the Bengals' defense managed to hold them off and keep the game close.

Streaming Wars and Alt-Casts

This game is not just about the football on the field but also about the streaming wars and the alternative alt-casts. Disney and ESPN have unveiled a unique setup for "Monday Night Football," with Mike McCarthy as a Homer Simpson avatar and a star-studded guest list. 2: The "ManningCast" featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, along with guests like Bill Belichick and John Legend, has added a new dimension to the viewing experience. It's a testament to the growing influence of streaming and alternative content in the world of sports.

Playoff Odds and Remaining Schedules

The Cowboys have +3000 odds to make the playoffs entering Week 14, which gives them a 3.23% chance according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Their remaining schedule is tough, with games against tough opponents like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. The Bengals, on the other hand, are looking to turn their season around and make a playoff push. 2: The Cowboys will need to win out and receive a lot of help to make the playoffs. Their upcoming games against tough opponents will be crucial. The Bengals, on the other hand, need to start winning games and improve their defense if they want to have a chance at making the playoffs.