AMES — As the Cyclones exit the bye week, hopes are high for the rest of the season.
After starting the season on a handful of low notes, the Cyclones did a full 180 and entered Big 12 play as a new team. After starting 1-2, Iowa State is now 3-1 in the conference season, with the sole loss being to a top-10 team in Oklahoma.
The switch came following the 10-7 loss to Ohio, which was a game the team expected to win.
“I feel like after that game, we all looked at ourselves in the mirror. You know, we’re better than this,” Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht said. “We got so much talented players. We just didn’t think we were playing to our ability.”
The team’s mentality changed following the loss. They knew they could play better, so they did right away as they opened Big 12 play with a win over Oklahoma State.
Even in the losses, the Cyclones always had a drive to win. They knew every game was winnable, but at times, they just could not put it together.
“It was more so that we lost, and we knew we were supposed to win,” Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins said. “I feel like we were supposed to win every game we’ve been able to play so far.”
That winning mentality did not shine through until Big 12 play started. The loss to Ohio was a wake-up call for the Cyclones.
Of course, it is impossible to predict the outcome of every game, and not all games go as planned. However, Iowa State is still confident, especially after its run through the Big 12.
“We’ve had good times and not-so-good times, but I feel like every time that we’ve gone out, we’ve believed we’ve had an opportunity to win the football game,” said Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell.
That opportunity has shined through in all the Cyclones’ recent wins. Everything was starting to come together, from the growing offense to the veteran defense.
However, the Cyclones knew success would come sooner rather than later. So when they started to go on a run, they were not surprised.
“It’s been good, but it’s been expected,” Higgins said.
The Cyclones are getting down to grind time, so it is more important now than ever that they know what is working and what is not. With over half the season over, there are not many chances left to finish the season on a good note.
However, most teams are in the same spot as the Cyclones, especially in the Big 12.
“You get to this part of the year, [and] everybody’s got a better feel of who they are and what they can do,” said Iowa State offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
The one thing that has separated Iowa State is that throughout the ups and downs, no confidence has been lost. That starts with how the Cyclones perform in practice, which was evident over the bye week.
With how well the team practices, they naturally exude confidence. That confidence has started to carry over into Big 12 play.
“If everyone could see what we do in practice, it would just be crazy,” Higgins said. “You know, we’re just the best in practice.”
Going forward, the Cyclones will have to keep their momentum going. With how unpredictable college football can be, it is crucial that the Cyclones lock in and take on the last few games with the same confidence they have shown all season long.
“I just think college football is crazy,” Campbell said. “I don’t like to watch college football because it makes me nervous. There’s so much chaos going on.”
