Although his Cyclones didn’t compete this past week, head coach Dan McCarney said this is one of the most productive weeks he’s had this season.

With Iowa State on a six-game losing streak and playing 7-3 Kansas State Saturday, that’s definitely a good sign.

“We’ve had three of the most enthusiastic practices we’ve had all year last week,” McCarney said.

McCarney said his main focus this past bye week was just getting his battered and bruised team healthy.

“We’ve got a chance to be the healthiest we’ve been in a long time,” McCarney said.

Two of the Cyclones’ best players — offensive lineman Bob Montgomery and defensive tackle Jordan Carstens, both seniors — could now be the healthiest they’ve been since their injuries.

“We rested [Montgomery and Carstens] this last week. They had played a lot in the last two games when they were not 100 percent,” McCarney said.

“I think they have a good chance at being 100 percent [Saturday].”

McCarney said there is also a good chance center Luke Vander Sanden, cornerback Harold Clewis and linebacker Nik Moser could be back from injuries this week.

“All those guys have a chance to be ready for Kansas State, but we’ll know more as this week unfolds,” McCarney said.

Even with a 2-6 record and two upcoming games against opponents — Kansas State and Missouri — that are fighting for the Big 12 North title, McCarney said he still doesn’t want to play the role of spoiler.

“We don’t want to use that terminology; we’re just trying to get through the bye week and get focused on Kansas State, and the kids have done a good job of that,” McCarney said.

“Hopefully, our kids will play with a passion to give our fans something to be proud of in the last few weeks of the Big 12 race.”

Although the Cyclones are in the midst of a six-game losing streak, McCarney said his team’s morale is great and that nobody wants to go home.

“I think that from a mental standpoint and a morale standpoint, their attitude is great,” McCarney said.

“There isn’t anybody around here that’s looking for the end of the season or hoping it’s over. These kids are excited about the finish of this year and they want to get better.

“We’ve learned a lot of hard lessons, but it’s all about how we finish these last four games.”