Iowa State hits the reset button on season after victory over TCU
(Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
After they dropped two games in non-conference play, the Cyclones have rebounded in a major way, and won two of their last three Big 12 tilts.
Iowa State’s victory over TCU was a boost the program needed. After all, the game was a tribute to fallen Cyclone Jack Trice. Not to mention it happened on the eve that marked 100 years since Trice’s untimely death. It’s obvious that Iowa State put the blowout loss at Oklahoma in the rearview mirror. Now the Cyclones are 3-3 on the season, and have momentum.
A light bulb has turned on with the team, and at the right time. Matt Campbell has a 17-11 record at Iowa State in the month of October. Campbell is also the second-longest tenured coach in the Big 12. So he understands the style of play, physicality and coaching it takes to succeed in the conference.
It’s mind-boggling that everyone counted out the Cyclones before the season even started due to the gambling probe. Obviously it was a black cloud over the team, and a distraction. However, after the victory over the Horned Frogs, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Campbell and his players are tuning out the outside noise, and staying on the grind as they navigate through the Big 12 gauntlet.
Freshman quarterback Rocco Becht has stepped his game up ever since conference play started. The gunslinger has thrown for 664 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions during that span. Each game it seems like Becht has more confidence, which should be beneficial down the stretch.
Jon Heacock’s defense has played solid through the first six games. The Cyclones currently rank fourth in the league in total defense, but 45th nationally. The unit’s strength lies in the secondary, and Heacock has some ballhawks. The Cyclones have picked off a jaw-dropping, 10 passes, which ranks second in the Big 12, and third in the FBS.
Iowa State travels to Cincinnati this Saturday, and is still looking for its’ first road win of the year. Meanwhile the Bearcats are on a three-game losing streak, and are winless in Big 12 play.
Obviously something has to give, and this is where Campbell’s experience in the conference should pay off. Iowa State is in a four-way tie for third place in the Big 12 standings, so there’s definitely a lot at stake. It just so happens that Cincinnati (2-3) has lost two of its’ last three games by a touchdown. The Bearcats are going to be hungry for a win, and the Cyclones could be potentially walking into a snake pit. Campbell should expect a dogfight, and the Bearcats are scrappy.
Regardless, Campbell’s boys are trending up, and the fans can’t wait to see if he can maintain his October success.
