1989.

The year can finally be erased from the books, as the Iowa State Cyclones have a winning streak, breaking a string of 69 games without consecutive wins after defeating the Missouri Tigers, 45-31.

On the strength of tailback Troy Davis’ historic total of 378 yards rushing and the coming of age of the defensive unit late in the game, the Cyclones won their inaugural game in the Big 12 Conference and improved their overall record to 2-2.

“It might not seem like that big of a deal to other programs, but when you take over winless programs, a winning streak can be a monumental step,” ISU Head Coach Dan McCarney said at the postgame press conference.

Davis, who added 41 carries to his incredible workload Saturday, tallied the third highest rushing yardage total in Division I history. He also added four more touchdowns against the Tigers, bringing his total for the season to 12.

“I feel real good,” Davis said. “I knew I could go, especially with the line blocking like that. There were holes everywhere out there.”

Three of Davis’ four touchdown runs went for 30 yards or longer, including a 40-yard dash on an option play. Once Davis got to the outside on that play, he made numerous cuts without losing any speed, running through arm tackles as he had all day long.

“The Missouri players would try to arm tackle me, and I used that to my advantage,” Davis said.

McCarney had many superlatives to throw at his star running back. “You can use whatever accolade you want, but the fact is that it’s the truth,” McCarney said.

The incredible yardage total was not achieved without purpose, as the Cyclones needed practically every single yard to win the contest. With eight lead changes, every possession in this game was crucial.

Davis’ statistics are pointing toward a second trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy selection, but that isn’t one of his main concerns. “I don’t like listening to detractors,” Davis said. “All I care about is this team.”

The game was a battle throughout, but the Cyclones rose to the challenge in the fourth quarter. “I’m proud of our fourth quarter performance,” McCarney said.

“We scored three touchdowns and shut them out. I hope part of that is that our defense has grown up, they’ve matured, and also the fans were unbelievable.”

The crowd of 44,941 came alive, providing an atmosphere that the players and coaches found to be inspirational.

“The crowd was behind us 100 percent,” Davis said. “I’ve got to give them something to yell for.”

Trailing 31-24 going into the fourth quarter, ISU went on three long touchdown drives. ISU quarterback Todd Doxzon found fullback Joe Parmentier on a five yard strike to knot the score at 31.

The Missouri offense, which had ran freely in the previous three quarters, was held to only five plays before they had to punt the ball away. Davis then broke loose on the option play on the fifth play of their possession for the go-ahead score.

“I never did like that play,” Davis said with a laugh, referring to the old triple option wishbone attack the Cyclones used to incorporate.

The defense held the Tigers again, but a roughing the kicker penalty on a Missouri punt gave the Tigers new life.

But Wyoming didn’t strike twice, as it happened.

The defense held strong, forcing another punt only four plays later. The Cyclone offense took over, moving down the field in a time-consuming manner. Davis found the end zone a fourth time from 30 yards out with only 50 seconds remaining on the clock.

“We had fought way too hard to turn up short,” defensive lineman Bill Marsau said. “The Wyoming game was a good teaching tool for us.”

McCarney emphasized the crowd’s role in the victory. “I had headphones over my ears, and it was still loud, the screaming,” McCarney said. “The kids respond to that. It gives the team a lot of confidence.

“That was the most involved crowd by far,” he continued. “They were super. I just hope we can sell out the next three home games.”

The crowd was treated to a very impressive drive by the Cyclones at the end of the first half when Todd Doxzon hit wide receiver Tyrone Watley on a 20-yard strike. The drive consisted of seven plays that covered 94 yards and lasted only 53 seconds.

Why hurry? There were only 58 seconds remaining in the half.

Davis had four carries on the drive, gaining 61 yards. Doxzon kept the ball for eight yards and hit Watley after spiking the ball to kill the clock.

“That was a perfect shot, that ball was right where it had to be,” Watley said of Doxzon’s pass. “Only I had a chance to catch it.”

Watley said going for the end zone once was ideal. “It was a win-win situation,” Watley said. “If it worked, it worked, and if it didn’t, we would just kick the field goal.”

Driving the ball almost the entire length of the field in such a short amount of time might be surprising to some, but Watley was confident they would be able to do it.

“I’m not surprised. We’ve got an excellent offense,” Watley said. “Me, Ed [Williams] on the other side, Dox being able to run and pass, T.D. in the backfield, the great offensive line … that package is as good as any.”

“The team grew up and answered the call today,” Doxzon said. “The fan support was a bigger part of our performance than most would think. Playing in front of a packed house is a great feeling.”

With this weekend open on their schedule, what will the players be doing? Troy Davis gave his answer in one word.

“Rest.”