The first week of the Big 12 season saw six ranked Big 12 teams go up against six unranked teams. Five of the six ranked teams destroyed their opponents by 24 points or more.

The only Big 12 game that was even competitive this weekend was the come-from-behind win by Kansas over Iowa State. Even though the game was close, coach Gene Chizik is not satisfied with the loss.

“I don’t like feeling like the little boy at the grocery store when they pat you on the head and say ‘nice job — you almost did it’. I know the intentions are well, but I don’t receive those very well because that’s not what I’m trying to do here,” Chizik said.

The Cyclones are in the midst of a three game losing streak, but have had the opportunity to win all three, starting with their first loss at Iowa.

“We’ve found about every way you can try to come back and win and we haven’t been able to do that yet,” Chizik said.

The Cyclones’ nine losses last season were by a total of 179 points, which is an average loss of almost 20 points.

This year, Iowa State has lost three contests by 17 total points.

“It definitely doesn’t make the team any happier or anything like that. A loss is a loss and we’re going to continue to get better,” said safety Brandon Hunley.

Iowa State has a depressing history of losing close games. In the first overtime game in NCAA history, Iowa State lost to Wyoming, 41-38 in 1996. The Cyclones have a 1-6 record all-time in overtime.

The Cyclones have also now lost nine straight against ranked opponents, dating back to 2005, when they upset No. 22 Colorado.

“You call it moral victories or you call it whatever; I expect to win games like that. The day that I don’t expect to win those — I need to quit,” Chizik said.

It’s evident when talking to Chizik that losing is not something he is used to. In the three years prior to him taking the head coaching job, Chizik went 35-3 as an assistant coach at Texas and Auburn.

“I don’t think anyone ever takes a job thinking ‘you know I think I can do that’,” Chizik said. “I just see this as a place that’s a sleeping giant. I love who the people are. I love the fact that these are very well educated fans and they show up regardless. I just think this place has a chance to be really good.”

Iowa State has never been a been a top-ranked team, but its game against Kansas seemed to have been a step in the right direction for the young program.

Although Chizik was not not satisfied with the game, he stilll backed his team

“I don’t get any type of warm and fuzzy feeling over a game like Saturday. Am I proud of our kids for fighting? Am I proud of our guys period? — Yeah, I am, because I’m proud of who they are,” Chizik said.