Matt Campbell excited about Cyclones’ offensive intensity

AMES, Ia. — Iowa State is on a three-game win streak since dropping its’ conference opener and resurfaced back in the rankings at No. 23 entering week nine.

Now the spotlight is back on the Cyclones again. Iowa State went from being the hunters to being the hunted. Still, Campbell believes his young offense has blossomed into a solid unit. The Cyclones are one of the hottest teams in the Big 12 right now and look like contenders.

Campbell has to constantly remind his players to stay humble and focused, because it’s any given Saturday in the conference.

“You’re getting everybody’s best shot, they are coming for you,” Campbell said. “You have to be ready to raise your level of excellence every week.”

In the high-flying Big 12 the Cyclones’ offense has done just that, winning three-straight, outscoring their opponents 121-62 and 40.3 points per game during that span. True sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy has been on fire in the last three games, with 854 yards passing yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and three rushing scores.

Purdy has spread the ball around to a plethora of receivers and Campebell has been impressed with the passing attack. He watched Purdy mature and develop a gutsy attitude during the loss at Baylor. Purdy rallied the team back for 20 down in 100-degree heat and take the lead late in the fourth quarter.

“I think whats great about the passing game is it’s really hard to zero in on just one guy and we feel confident that all the guys in that receiver room can all make plays,” Campbell said. “What makes Brock really good in my opinion is he got the ability to take what the defense give us.”

Campbell believes Purdy’s maturation process has helped the offense transition smoothly, having to replace Hakeem Butler and David Montgomery. Campbell feels the offense still hasn’t reached the ceiling yet. The unit is still forming, establishing an identity and trying to find what the weaknesses are and work at them.

“When we play really good football offensively, we finish drives,” he said. “I think this offense has consistently had the ability to move the ball, the ability to finish.”

Senior receiver Deshaunte Jones continues to move up the school’s all-time record list and sophomore tight end Charlie Kolar is becoming one of the Big 12’s best. Purdy has been operating behind a senior-laden offensive line. The group has impressed Campbell with their consistency.

Purdy has been able to stay upright and the offense continues to put points on the board.

“Again can we take that and grow from it, can we be consistent week in and week out,” he said. “I think that offensive line will tell its’ story at the end of the football season.”

As for now the Cyclones have a ton of momentum heading into their Homecoming game against Oklahoma State this weekend. Campbell want his team to remain focused on the task at hand. A win over the Cowboys this Saturday and the Cyclones will have gone undefeated in the month of October for three-straight seasons.