Iowa State wanted to alter some numbers against Ohio Saturday.

Seventeen points scored by the Cyclones against Northern Iowa last week — too few. Seventeen first downs allowed to the Panthers in a 17-10 win — too many.

“Our biggest goal this week was to be the most improved team in the nation,” said wide receiver Lane Danielsen. “I think we took a good step toward that goal.”

The Cyclones had 17 points by the end of the first quarter on their way to a 48-20 victory over the Mid-American Conference Ohio Bobcats. Iowa State totaled 523 yards of offense, improving its rushing output by more than 100 yards from last week.

“We improved and we were a much better team than last week,” ISU head coach Dan McCarney said. “[I’m] real pleased with the offensive execution.”

Ohio took advantage of confusion in the ISU defensive secondary on three plays of 68 yards or more that scored or set up all the Bobcats’ points, but the Cyclone offense scored on its first three possessions and kept the team in front throughout a sunny afternoon at Jack Trice Stadium.

Iowa State’s offensive line, maligned after ISU running backs were unable to find a rhythm against Northern Iowa, controlled play most of the day, propelling senior tailback Michael Wagner to a 21-carry, 115-yard effort.

The Cyclones scored four rushing touchdowns — two by Wagner, two by senior Hiawatha Rutland in his first game after serving a one-game suspension — and converted five of six trips inside the Ohio 20-yard line into touchdowns.

“When we get down to the goal line, we’ve got to get six,” Wagner said. “The offensive line was doing a good job of blocking, and I read the holes.”

McCarney said Wagner will likely remain the starter although he and Rutland both played well.

“The running back position is the least of our worries right now,” McCarney said.

Junior right tackle Cale Stubbe credited the improved running game in part to better blocking to complement the Cyclones’ talented running backs.

“I think we just came in focused,” Stubbe said. “As an offensive line, we didn’t feel like we were holding up on our end of the deal [against Northern Iowa].”

Freshman quarterback Austin Flynn continued to impress in his second ISU start and second game, passing for 252 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also made important plays on the ground for a second straight week, scampering for 78 yards and three first downs on 14 rushes.

“I felt more confident out there and the running game helped out a lot,” Flynn said.

McCarney said he was impressed with Flynn’s ability to avoid turnovers.

“[He is] really understanding how you have to respect the football if you’re going to be a starting quarterback here at Iowa State,” McCarney said.

Senior Jack Whitver was the recipient of five Flynn passes totaling 110 yards, leading all receivers.

“Austin has improved more than anyone else on the team in the first two games, and he’s getting more comfortable,” Whitver said. “It’s a big step from high school to college.”

Iowa State benefited from superior field position throughout the game.

Cyclone drives, on average, began on the ISU 36-yard line, while Ohio’s average start was the Bobcat 21-yard line.

Tony Yelk and Troy Blankenship averaged 43 yards on seven combined punts, and Ohio punt returners were held to three yards on two returns, thanks to coverage by Iowa State’s Danielsen and redshirt freshman Ryan Baum. Both had solo tackles in punt coverage and Danielsen downed a second-quarter Yelk punt at the Ohio 1-yard line.

“I take a lot of pride in special teams,” Danielsen said. “I try to not take any special teams [plays] off.”

Iowa State junior Todd Miller averaged 11 yards on six punt returns, and senior Lance Young had a 43-yard kickoff return to help set up the Cyclones’ first touchdown.

McCarney said he was upset the Cyclones gave up 404 yards of offense to Ohio, including the school’s best passing performance in 10 years, but he credited the Bobcats’ game plan and effort.

“Ohio is a team that causes everyone a lot of problems,” he said. “It’s not just a ‘trick and slip right past you’ offense — they’re in the top 10 the last four years in rush offense. They’ve got a great system,” McCarney said.

Picking up two turnovers — fumble recoveries by nose guard Nick Leaders and safety JaMaine Billups — was a plus for the defense, said senior defensive end Jordan Carstens.

“It’s something you’ve got to do if you want to be a big-time defense,” said Carstens, who had seven tackles, including a crucial third-quarter sack. “I think it definitely gives us some confidence.”

Confidence, and a more impressive victory.

“It’s clear that we’re a much better team than we were last Saturday,” McCarney said.