Cyclones approaching a pivotal battle to stay atop Big 12 standings
Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell talks to his players on the sideline during at timeout in the first quarter against Iowa Saturday September 10, 2022 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
Iowa State is riding a big wave of momentum heading into the most important month of the season.
The Cyclones went through October unscathed in conference play, and they’re currently in a five-way tie for first place in the Big 12 standings. The surge in wins is mind-boggling to some, considering Matt Campbell’s team lost two of their first three games.
No one expected Iowa State to make any noise this fall. After all, the Cyclones were coming off a four-win campaign, and went through a gambling probe. However, Campbell changed the narrative on the Cyclones’ season, and they’ve been the biggest surprise in the Big 12 this year. It’s hard to argue against that when Iowa State (5-3) has won four of its’ past five conference games, including three-straight, and is one win away from bowl eligibility.
Campbell worked his magic through October, but now the stakes are higher in November, and the Cyclones have so much to play for, with no margin for error. A 6-2 Kansas team will be invading Jack Trice Stadium Saturday night, and Iowa State needs to hold down the fort. The Cyclones could potentially be catching the Jayhawks at the right time too. Kansas is coming off a monumental upset at home over Oklahoma, so there’s going to be a lingering hangover.
Last year’s game between the two teams was a defensive slugfest, in which the the Cyclones lost 14-11. No doubt Iowa State wants to return the favor, and Kansas hasn’t won in Ames since 2008. Over the past six meetings between the two teams in Ames, the Cyclones have outscored the Jayhawks a combined 230-61, and that includes two shutout victories.
Iowa State is playing at a high level right now. Not to mention the Cyclones have scored 30 points in each of their last two games, and won the last three by double-digits. Quarterback Rocco Becht has played solid during the three-game win streak. He has thrown for 617 yards, four touchdowns and one interception during that span.
The Cyclones have been stout on defense this fall. Iowa State is currently first in the Big 12 and 26th nationally in total defense. Jon Heacock’s boys have clearly turned it up a notch, and only allowed 14 points per game during the win streak.
Iowa State hasn’t beat a ranked team at home since October of 2021, so taking down No. 22 Kansas will be the best win of the season. It’s still any given Autumn Saturday, and games aren’t play on papers, so it’s up to Campbell to get his team prepared for a national spotlight game under the lights at Jack Trice.
