Iowa State found UNLV to be more of a challenge than last season but still held the Rebels for a 37-22 victory Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium. The victory improves the Cyclones record to 2-0. In last year’s contest Iowa State dominated in a 24-0 win but the Rebels put up a tougher fight this time around. “I’m very proud of my football team and coaching staff. It feels good to get a win and be 2-0,” said ISU coach Dan McCarney. “We did improve in a lot of areas over last week.” “There’s no doubt UNLV is a better football team than we played last year. They have some recruits and transfers that sat out last year and they are a much better team.” At halftime, the Cyclones had already bolted to a 27-6 lead. Michael Wagner and Chris Anthony scored touchdowns in the first quarter while Lane Danielsen recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter. Iowa State’s special teams were solid in all areas. Kicker Mike McKnight turned in a perfect day with three field goals and four extra points. The Cyclones also blocked three Rebel kicks, two punts and a field goal. “I’m proud of Mike McKnight and the kicks he made. I think we have five blocked kicks in two games and we didn’t have one all of last year so we’re obviously getting tremendous effort out of our kids,” McCarney said.