After a dismal 2003 season where the Cyclones won just two games, and went winless in the Big 12, the Cyclones stormed back in 2004 to contend for the Big 12 North championship.

A regular season finale with Missouri could have sent Iowa State to the Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma, but the Cyclones fell in overtime, sending Colorado to the title game instead.

Iowa State finished its regular season with a 6-5 record, good enough for a bowl matchup with Miami of Ohio. The Cyclones won 17-13.

Then freshman quarterback Bret Meyer led the Cyclone offense, teaming with fellow freshman Todd Blythe to give Iowa State a potent pass game. Sophomore running back Stevie Hicks rushed for more than 1,000 yards, supplying balance to the offense.

On defense, Iowa State was solid, allowing more than 25 points just four times all season. Nik Moser led the team with 85 tackles, while senior Ellis Hobbs intercepted five passes, returning one for a score.