Three Things We Learned Against Kansas State

Saturday was a true test for many Cyclone fans. It was the best of times and then certainly was one of our worst times. The trip to Kansas State once against proved to be major heartache for Iowa State. It certainly might have been the most gut wrenching loss of the Matt Campbell era. Let’s take a look at a few things that stuck out on Saturday.

Penalties must not be a consistent thing

I hate to beat a dead horse here, but that is exactly what I will do. What is a penalty? Do they exist? Well clearly they do, because Iowa State was called for penalties left and right on Saturday. The only thing that makes me question their existence is the sheer fact that Kansas State was allowed to get away with what they did. Let alone the Big 12 officials picking up three clear penalty flags against Kansas State and the biggest one the of them all stopped Iowa State’s potential game ending drive. Take a look.

I honestly have no idea what to say anymore but these moments have come far too often in recent years. I guess we just have to take it.

No David Montgomery, No Offensive Fluidity

David Montgomery gave it a go on Saturday. Started off normal, breaking tackles and making plays. Iowa State entered the red zone on it’s first drive and that is where David Montgomery exited the game. Clearly his injury sustained during the Baylor game was re-aggravated. Iowa State struggled on offense after that moment, attempting to find their way, but couldn’t strike to find that one big play in the first half. The second half was much better, but could have been a whole lot better. Iowa State relies on David Montgomery a ton. Not necessarily a horrible thing considering how great of a player he is. It definitely is in their best interest to find ways to win without him, even if he is there. You never know when he may be gone, case in point was Saturday.

Trust The Process

Saturday wasn’t pretty. The end result was a straight punch to the face, but this what it is all about. A year ago we were sitting here 3-9 and looking for answers. Today we sit here 7-5 and waiting for a bowl game. What a difference the year makes. Yes the season was full of “what-ifs,” but there is no time for that now. Iowa State has a chance to finish the season 8-5 and make another jump next season. Continue to follow Matt Campbell’s vision and Trust The Process. Iowa State will find ways around games like Saturday. They will posses the killer instinct to put teams away before things like what happened Saturday bite them. Continue to trust this staff and team.

I can’t wait for this thing to continue to unfold.