AMES — It is official, Rocco Becht has proven himself as the clear cut man to lead the Cyclones to success for the remainder of the season.
Becht smoked Oklahoma State en route to a 34-27 win to open up Big 12 play undefeated. Not only did Becht lead three touchdown drives, he threw for nearly 350 yards.
After a week of woes on offense, it was a green flag going forward to see the offense put things together.
There were plenty of fingers to point following Iowa State’s embarrassing loss to Ohio. Most fingers were pointed at the run game, or lack of run game.
The lack of run game was even more apparent when looking at the success the Cyclones had the few times they chose to throw the ball. Going into the Oklahoma State game, it was clear that something needed to change.
“Last week, we kinda realized what we were missing in this offense,” Becht said. “Trusting in [Nate] Scheelhaase and them to give me the opportunity to go out there and throw it, props to them.”
However, it had to be noted that Becht did throw two interceptions, even if they were not entirely his fault. Becht did his job silencing the critics with his performance against Oklahoma State.
What Becht showed on the field against Oklahoma State was pure confidence. There is really nothing more you can ask from your quarterback than just raw confidence.
“I just thought Rocco played an incredible game,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said. “His efficiency, the way he threw the football and to get people out of the box, you gotta prove that you can throw the football.”
Becht did just that. He proved that he can throw the football.
Through the first three games of the season, it was clear that Becht had the efficiency to move the offense and keep the ball safe. The one thing left to see was if he could make big plays.
The few balls that Becht aired out were decent. None were in danger of getting picked and a few led to touchdowns.
From the start, it has been clear that Becht can move the ball down the field.
“Give him the opportunities to get the ball down the field, and he’s gonna make plays happen,” Jaylin Noel said.
The losses to Ohio and Iowa made one thing clear. The team needs to get the ball into the hands of Becht and let him sling it.
Again, Becht is the man to lead the Cyclones to success.
“Honestly, you’re gonna be great on offense when that guy has elite leadership ability, and that guy takes the reins and demands the lead with courage and character,” Campbell said. “Honestly, he’s doing a great job so far.”
Along with throwing for 348 yards and three touchdowns, Becht also did a great job highlighting his receivers yet again. Jayden Higgins looked like a beast in the past two games, and now Daniel Jackson is the next guy to step up.
No matter who Becht threw to against Oklahoma State, they were going to have a good chance to make a play on the ball. That is all the receivers can really ask for.
“The whole offense and defense, they have the trust in me, and I have the trust in them,” Becht said.
Becht’s receivers were cutting through Oklahoma State’s secondary all day. All Becht had to do was find the open man and let the ball fly.
The team put faith in Becht’s arm and he did not disappoint. Going forward, if the Cyclones want to keep winning, they have to put faith in Becht.
Campbell has had faith in Becht from the start, even through the losses. Campbell even said the second half success Becht has had in the last two games before Oklahoma State was huge for his growth. You could see Becht’s confidence growing each week and each drive.
So when it was time for Becht to break out, it came as no surprise.
“All those things are starting to show up, and I think it gives you great confidence, man, how you need to go win the football game,” Campbell said.
The Cyclones need to win games through Becht going forward. He has shown that he is that guy.
“We rely on him to be that guy,” Noel said. “He is that guy.”
