The demise of the Southwestern Conference and the formation of the Big 12 Conference meant Iowa State had to face a powerhouse in Texas A&M nearly every year.

The two teams had met twice before the newly configured conference was enacted.

In 1978, Iowa State fell to the Aggies 28-12. The Cyclones played A&M in the Hall of Fame Bowl. The first meeting between the teams marked the last time Iowa State saw action in a bowl game. A win against the Aggies this year could end the 20 years of frustration.

In 1984, the Cyclones once again succumbed by a final of 38-17.

The Cyclones looked to start anew in 1996. Old habits die hard, as Iowa State lost to Texas A&M for the third time in as many meetings, 24-21.

That year the second quarter greeted the Cyclones with a 17-point deficit to overcome. The lead was slashed to ten by halftime.

Nearly one and a half minutes had ticked off the third quarter clock before Troy Davis trimmed the Aggie lead to three. Davis plunged in from a yard out, and finished with 130 yards on the day and this touchdown score.

Darren Davis grabbed the limelight, and the ball in the corner of the end zone to give Iowa State the advantage 21-17 with only five minutes remaining in the game.

The glory was short-lived. Texas A&M’s Branndon Stewart connected with Albert Connel for a 70-yard score to secure the win for the Aggies on the ensuing drive.

Iowa State outgained the Aggies offensively 340-323. Texas A&M had been amassing 513 yards of offense prior to this meeting.

In the following year, away from the friendly confines of Jack Trice Stadium, Iowa State once again fell to Texas A&M, 56 -17.

The No. 2 ranked Aggies went to the locker room at halftime with a secure 42-10 lead.

Sirr Parker was the man of the hour for the Aggies, scoring two touchdowns on runs of more than 75 yards: one, an 80 yard gallup from scrimmage, the other, on a 78-yard kickoff return.

Darren Davis succeeded his NFL-playing brother at running back, ending the day with 106 yards on 30 carries. True freshmen tight end Andy Stensrud scored a touchdown to round his statistical line of five catches for 65 yards.

Michael Cooper was active for the Cyclone defense in the loss, leading the team with 12 tackles.