Closers

 Three times this season, the Cyclones have found themselves down 10 or more and won. Today’s comeback was the most impressive as everything was on the table.

At the moment when every other Cyclone team failed when it entered the unexplored country of football success, this group found the way. Hold Texas to 7 points across the last three quarters. Grind out a late touchdown after struggling in the red zone all day. Do just enough on a final defensive stand to force the final play that goes your way. Just enough to likely earn a shot at the title.

A shot we’ve been waiting 108 years to arrive. Savor being on the stage.

Smothered

 Kansas State gained 62 yards on their first possession, but were stoned in their four plays inside the 10. 

They then gained 87 yards across the remaining 11 possessions in the game, and failed to score. Their second best possession was 7 plays for 28 yards and a turnover on downs. They gave up 5 3-and-outs. 

While it was fun watching the offense floor it when they had their chances, the job done by the defense was spectacular, and gives Cyclone fans hope in a rather important game in Austin on Friday.

All gas, no brakes.

Fearless

A 3 INT start would have crushed most Cyclone football teams.

This team ran off 21 plays for 210 yards and four touchdowns in a little more than 15 minutes in the second half to overwhelm Baylor.

The defense limited Baylor to 11 plays and 16 yards during the burst. 

The sequence felt like a crazy run for the Hoiball period- coming back from 20 down in 6 minutes to pull a game out of the fire. Good times.

The CSJ staff has spent 40 years doubting that Iowa State could win a conference title because of the difficulty of the task. Now the staff is saying- “Why not?”

Review

 Many are arguing that criticism of a 30 point conference win is nitpicking. I must differ.

Organizations that improve and grow are constantly reviewing and grading themselves, examining both the good and the bad. Sports is one of the few areas of our lives that studies itself as part of the routine. Most businesses and almost all humans are comfortable in their productive ruts. As long as the habits are causing damage, let things be. 

Sports realizes that rapid change is needed as seasons have hard limits, and opportunities are quickly lost. Grumbling about offensive lulls and disastrous special teams play is appropriate, as each week the window  for a championship closes a little more. Given Iowa States lack of football success, simply being in the conversation should have everyone involved on high alert. This kind of opportunity is exceedingly rare in Ames, and one should never assume it will return anytime soon. Life is random. When a door opens you have to be ready to walk through it. 

Being ready requires nitpicking when it feels awkward. Champions nitpick.