Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Go back one year. Iowa State was 1-1 at this time, and on the verge of losing three of its next four games.

All indications pointed to a repeat of the 2-10 disaster of 2003. ISU coach Dan McCarney found himself sitting on a very hot seat, riding a Big 12 losing streak that would reach 13 games.

But then the turnaround began. A win at Baylor started a stretch of incredible play where the Cyclones won four in a row to reach bowl eligibility.

That was then. Look at them now.

A solid mix of experience and youth has the ISU program running in the right direction. Sophomores and juniors litter the lineup, with key seniors completing the puzzle.

Iowa State has won seven of its last eight contests, a bowl victory among them. The biggest win was the dominating 23-3 win over then-No. 8 Iowa last weekend.

The win moved the Cyclones into The Associated Press’ top 25 for the first time since 2002.

But we all know this. These numbers and stats have been circulated in every newspaper and newscast since then.

So what does the win over Iowa really mean to the ISU program?

First, it legitimizes the in-state rivalry again. Hawkeye fans can talk all they want about the superiority of their program, but the Cyclones have been more than just a thorn in the Hawkeyes’ side.

Since the beginning of the 2001 season, Iowa has lost only 13 games. Three of those 13 losses have come at the hands of the Cyclones – more than any other team.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has not yet figured out McCarney, posting just a 2-5 record against the Cyclones.

Second, this is the first real statement by a team in the Big 12 North in a long time.

The last big win of any kind for a team in the North was a Kansas State victory over Oklahoma in the 2003 Big 12 Championship game. After that, the North went 0-for-everything against the South Division, and failed to come up with any big nonconference wins.

A clear frontrunner for the division crown had not emerged going into last week – until the Cyclone win, that is.

The Cyclones have shown they can not only compete with a top team, but beat one, something that will serve them well when conference play begins. Colorado and Nebraska are also 2-0, but they have not had a test yet.

Granted, Colorado plays at Miami (Fla.) this weekend, but that could hurt them more than it helps. A blowout loss could adversely affect the rest of the Buffaloes’ season.

Finally, this win thrusts the Cyclones into the national discussion. The Hawkeyes were hyped all summer as a national-title contender. The fact it was Iowa State that beat them – and beat them soundly – propels the Cyclones into more national attention. This can only help with recruiting and bowl selections.