The ISU football team accomplished what it expected to do, handily beating the FCS’ Western Illinois 37-3 on Saturday.

After the two scores in the first quarter with only 5:26 off the clock, the Cyclones went nearly 21 minutes without scoring. ISU coach Paul Rhoads said he was happy with the quick start but not pleased with the sputter afterwards.

“I thought our guys came out with great energy and urgency,” Rhoads said. “I thought their focus was on the money and then we stalled as an offensive football team. We’ve got to take advantage of the momentum and rhythm that we started the game with and keep that pace going.”

In a game where Iowa State (3-0) extended to two scores halfway into the first quarter for a 14-0 lead, a fair share of second-stringers were able to see an extended amount of playing time starting at the seven-minute mark in the third quarter. Notably of those backups were running backs DeVondrick Nealy and Rob Standard, both redshirt freshmen.

Five different running backs were given carries in the game, plus all three quarterbacks on the depth chart were able to carry the ball as well.

James White led the team with 72 rushing yards on only five attempts. One of those carries was broken for a 56-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the game.

Nealy and Standard made the most of their debuts. Nealy netted 70 yards on nine carries while Standard scored the first touchdown of his career late in the fourth quarter.

“It was fun getting those guys on the field,” Rhoads said. “We’ve been wanting to get DeVondrick out there the first two games, thought he ran hard and thought he ran with good vision. Rob Standard [is] really fun to see; he’s a workhorse. He’s been our scout team running back.

“Having the opportunity to have [Standard], DeVondrick and a lot of other players get playing time is great for team morale and also improvement going forward.”

Jantz continues early success

ISU quarterback Steele Jantz again got off to a fast start against the Leathernecks (2-1).

He completed 8-of-10 passes in the first quarter for 94 yards and a touchdown. He had near-mirror numbers in the second quarter, going 8-of-11 for 91 yards and another score.

“The fact that we’ve emphasized it so much, I think it’s paid off, I think we have done that,” Jantz said when asked about the team’s fast starts. “Now the trick is to keep it going throughout the game.”

Jantz finished the game completing 19-of-26 passes for 209 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Young emerges for career highs

Redshirt senior Chris Young recorded career highs in his third game as a starter at wide receiver.

On the last drive of the first half for Iowa State, Jantz targeted Young five times, completing four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown to cap off the drive. Young also sprung James White’s 56-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter with a block in the secondary.

When asked what he saw from Young, Rhoads said he is playing like a fifth-year senior.

“Chris Young was a young man that in the last two years would hardly catch anything without using his entire body,” Rhoads said. “He’s found confidence in catching the ball with his eyes and his fingers, and he’s making plays afterwards with the ball in his hands.”

Young finished the game with a career-high seven catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Van Der Kamp’s consistency continues

ISU punter Kirby Van Der Kamp finished the night with four punts for an average of 47 yards. His long on the night was a 59-yarder and with his three punts inside the 20-yard line, he still leads the Big 12 Conference with 13 punts inside the 20.

The next closest is Kansas’ Ron Doherty with six.

“I felt really comfortable back there,” Van Der Kamp said. “I just felt good today and very focused.”