With all the hype Iowa State garnered in the offseason, not many predicted the Cyclones would be staring down the barrel at a 1-4 record and an 0-3 start to Big 12 play.

But those are the stakes for the Cyclones, as they travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Saturday to take on No. 25 Oklahoma State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

Iowa State has been in an offensive funk for most of the year, showing up near the bottom of most offensive categories in the Big 12. The Cyclones failed to crack the 200-yard barrier for the second time this season against the Horned Frogs, tallying 198 yards and less than 100 in the passing game.

As such, there have been questions asked about the offensive play calling under coach Matt Campbell, who makes the final decision in the absence of an offensive coordinator.

Campbell is confident the Cyclones will improve their play calling and execution.

“It’s a group effort, so I think it’s managing that process in the game,” Campbell said. “I think that starts with me, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in.”

Additionally, the Cyclones are hoping for a bounce-back game from quarterback Zeb Noland, who had a fumble returned for a touchdown against the Horned Frogs. With Kempt potentially returning next weekend against No. 9 West Virginia, Saturday’s contest represents a possible last stand for Noland to make his case as a starter moving forward.

One thing that will have to work in his favor is an offensive line that has found a groove in run blocking but still has struggled to keep pressure away from Noland.

Junior right guard Josh Knipfel believes the offensive line is improving, despite a slow start to the season.

“We really trust each other, and we’re confident in each other,” Knipfel said. “We’re really coming along.”

Additionally, the Cyclones will have to monitor junior running back David Montgomery, who has been battling a bruised arm. 

Quarterbacks coach Joel Gordon said that Montgomery has been practicing and gave a hint that he’ll be in the lineup for Iowa State come Saturday afternoon. 

“David’s David, he’s one of the toughest guys we got on this team,” Gordon said. 

Defensively, the Cowboys’ offense presents a similar set of challenges to TCU’s, but with a much more explosive attack. Running back Justice Hill, who ran for 150-plus yards against the Cyclones in 2017, is averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

Defensive coordinates Jon Heacock is impressed by Hill, calling him an incredible back and emphasizing the importance of gang tackling a back like Hill.

“You gotta swarm to the football,” Heacock said. “He makes a lot of guys miss.”

The Cowboys have struggled at times in the passing game, but quarterback Taylor Cornelius has the ability to throw the ball deep with accuracy. Cornelius has had a completion of 40-plus yards in four of five games and has thrown for 1,541 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.

Redshirt sophomore safety Greg Eisworth is well aware of the threat Oklahoma State carries.

“We just gotta focus on the details,” Eisworth said. “You gotta have a short-term memory. Big plays happen like that, just take it to the next play and focus in on each play.”

Oklahoma State has an opportunity to put the Cyclones into a hole they didn’t expect heading into the season. What was supposed to be a season that set the Cyclones in the top tier of Big 12 teams could become lost, and bowl aspirations will get harder and harder to reach. With No. 9 West Virginia on deck, Iowa State knows it has to win.

No pressure.