If this season were Jeopardy game, we would have all the categories covered in “Things we didn’t expect this offseason.” After Iowa State’s 31-13 win over Texas Tech on Saturday the Cyclones are now 3-1 in conference play and ranked 25th in the AP poll.
Before we get pumped up for a big time matchup against TCU on Saturday night, let’s go over three things we learned in Iowa State’s win on Saturday.
The Cyclones Are Legit
These aren’t your grandfather's Cyclones. Matt Campbell and these Cyclones continue to prove that the win in Norman was no joke. Iowa State is playing with a poise and confidence that we have never seen. Iowa State’s margin for error in most games is so small and they continue to play mistake free football for the most part.
Iowa State will face their biggest test of the season against a high powered TCU team. Jack Trice Stadium will certainly be an electric atmosphere, and all eyes will be on this team to prove the national pundits wrong. I think these Cyclones are up for any task, and this is the biggest one they will have this year.
Mistakes Don’t Scare Kyle Kempt
On the first series of the game Kyle Kempt made his first major mistake of the season. He stared down a receiver and a Texas Tech defender picked him off to set up the Red Raiders first score of the day. Up until that point Kempt had not turned over the ball. What was impressive was the next drive Kempt went 7-7 in the passing game and ended the drive with a touchdown strike to Allen Lazard. Showing he has the ability to shake off mistakes and no moment is too big for him.
A 3 Man Rush Really Does Work
Iowa State started off the season in a 4-3 base, but has quickly evolved into a 3-man front with multiple athletes on the field behind the defensive line. What is impressive about the whole thing, is that you really don’t imagine a 3 man defensive front garnering that much pressure, but it does for Iowa State. The trio of Ray Lima, Jaquan Bailey and JD Waggoner continue to impress and set the tone for the top scoring defense in the Big 12. The defense has continually disrupted opposing offenses without sending many blitzes, and that is something to be impressed with.
Though it has worked thus far, this coming weekend will really test this Iowa State defense. TCU has the most team speed out of any team in the conference. I am excited to see what John Heacock comes up with in this week's game plan.