Finally, the Big 12 games are upon us.
Three games into the 2024 college football season, No. 18 Iowa State has three wins. All three have come in different ways, but one thing is certain: the Cyclones came out on top in all three.
With the Big 12 season here, I am confident that the schedule lines up in the Cyclones’ favor. With teams like Oklahoma State and Kansas State already at one conference loss, Iowa State can stay ahead of the pack by winning early in conference play.
To start, the Cyclones travel to Houston for the first time ever and then play Baylor at home the week after. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but these should both be wins.
After, Iowa State goes on the road to West Virginia. If you recall, I said this would be the first big test of the conference season based on how the games line up. Now, I don’t think so.
The Mountaineers have struggled and barely survived last week at home over a Kansas team that has also not looked good. If all goes right, I would not be shocked if the Cyclones end up 6-0 after this next three-game stretch.
This is the best Iowa State has looked since the 2020 COVID season when they made the Big 12 Championship and won the Fiesta Bowl. Primarily, I believe the defense has been the hot hand thus far, but the offense has looked elite in different places as well.
Hands down, the secondary is the strongest aspect of this Cyclones roster. There is so much talent in that room and in every game, a defensive back has gotten an interception.
Yes, the linebacker room is depleted, but the guys who took over have done an excellent job stepping up and making plays, especially against Arkansas State. If those guys continue to grow every week, I would expect Iowa State’s defense to be near or at the top of the Big 12 this season.
Moving to the offense, I was happy to see the running back room finally have a good game. Although none of the Cyclone running backs eclipsed 60 yards last week, the room combined for 194 yards and four touchdowns spread across five running backs.
Sophomore Carson Hansen and freshmen Dylan Lee and Aiden Flora all scored their first career touchdowns.
Even backup quarterback Connor Moberly showcased his mobility when the offense was subbed out at the end of the game. Moberly had 36 yards on four carries and was 5-for-7 passing for 49 yards.
Though starting quarterback Rocco Becht did not have his best game, he still did more than enough to lead Iowa State to its third victory in three games. Becht mainly targeted wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who had a touchdown as usual, but tight end Benjamin Brahmer was a big part of the offense for the first time this season.
I have been wondering when the third option in the receiving room would awaken and Brahmer is here. He led the way in yardage among pass catchers with 73, while fellow tight end Tyler Moore bullied his way through for a 10-yard touchdown.
The Cyclones tight end room is back and with a running back room by committee, added with the elite play of Higgins and wide receiver Jaylin Noel, this offense has the ability to be unstoppable.
I guarantee the entire team is confident in its abilities and that confidence only boosted after the 52-7 win over Arkansas State on Saturday.
This is a really fun team, and the fun is just getting started.
