Even after two days of reflecting on the Cyclones’ double overtime loss to Nebraska, ISU coach Dan McCarney still feels the same as he did immediately following the game – moral victories are nowhere to be found.

“We went over to win the football game and we came up short,” McCarney said in his weekly Big 12 coach’s teleconference.

“We did lots and lots of positive things, but the only reason we got on the bus to go over to Lincoln was to win the football game and we were disappointed that we didn’t.”

The last time the Cyclones were within striking distance of Nebraska in Lincoln was in 1981, when they dropped a 31-7 decision to the Cornhuskers. Saturday’s game was also the first-ever overtime game at Memorial Stadium.

“We were part of an outstanding college football game in Lincoln,” McCarney said. “We’re very disappointed that we were unable to win that game. I thought it was a tremendous effort by both teams in a great college football environment and unfortunately we came up short.”

McCarney said he was happy with his team’s effort, although they must improve their play as the season goes along.

“I don’t know that I can ask for more effort out of my team,” McCarney said.

“We have to play smarter and make a few more plays, but I thought the effort was tremendous by both teams.”

Iowa State’s defense had problems with Nebraska’s offense, giving up 467 yards of total offense to a Cornhusker team that was struggling to find their offensive rhythm.

Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor threw for 431 yards, setting a school record for passing yards in a game.

Although McCarney knew the Cornhuskers would throw the ball, he didn’t expect them to air it out as much as they did.

“A lot of the things we put our time into preparing for the game, they didn’t do,” McCarney said.

“We put a lot of time in on their rush game and it wasn’t like they deserted it, but they found other ways to get the ball to [running back] Cory Ross.”

Ross, who led the Big 12 in rushing going into Saturday’s game, was held to 32 yards on the ground. He still managed to hurt the Cyclones, gaining 131 yards on eight catches. He caught two touchdown passes, including a 70-yard screen from Taylor in the third quarter.

Iowa State has running problems of its own, as third-stringer Greg Coleman is likely to start against Baylor. Both Stevie Hicks and Jason Scales were unable to play against Nebraska.

Hicks tried to, but was forced to the sidelines after just one carry.

“There’s the possibility that we’re going into the fifth game of the season with our third tailback,” McCarney said.

“That’s the way it’s been and that’s the hand we’ve been dealt. We’re going to keep working on it and trying to improve whether Stevie Hicks or Jason Scales are available or not.”

Scales is still not participating in full practices with the team as he rehabs after offseason knee surgery.

“He was running; he was sprinting last night at practice,” McCarney said. “Whether he’s ready or not? The doctors are evaluating him daily.”

Baylor will enter its game against Iowa State on Saturday off an overtime loss at Texas A&M. The Bears led until the fourth quarter, when an Aggie field goal tied the game.

Baylor kicked a field goal of its own on the opening possession of overtime, but Texas A&M came back, punching in a 13-yard touchdown run by Courtney Lewis.

“I don’t think [the score] is indicative of how well they played until you start watching the tape,” McCarney said.

“Baylor is a tremendous football team and we’re going a major challenge here.”