Cyclones shows promise and potential

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Big 12 games are taking place in the coming weeks, with the associated higher stakes and better opponents.

Iowa State's performance against the Red Wolves (2-2) shows that the Cyclones are ready to accept this challenge.

More interestingly, I think their performance on Saturday showed how much room there is for improvement, because even though they are now 3-0 and have a dominant game ahead of them, it is clear that the Cyclones are far from done.

We know pretty much what to expect from coordinator Jon Heacock's defense. They're already doing what we expected them to do – they're very good. I imagine they'll continue to polish and improve, but they're probably pretty close to their final identity.

But the offense? The one that just racked up almost 500 yards and scored a 50-burger? Yeah, I think they can get a lot better. And I think it's obvious how they can do that.

We saw the Cyclones' offense earn high marks against North Dakota and Iowa, despite essentially ignoring the tight ends and getting little done in the running game. Quarterback Rocco Becht and star wideouts Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins did most of the work the first two weeks.

But those two areas — the tight end usage and the rushing attack — are the areas where Iowa State has historically excelled, and I'm not sure this year should be an outlier.

That's what makes Saturday's results so tempting.

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It's not that the tight ends and running backs aren't capable. Or weren't capable in the first two games. They just weren't needed.

“We're going to do whatever it takes on offense to win football games,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “We've played three different styles in three different weeks.”

“We're not chasing offensive numbers. We're chasing wins. We're going to do whatever it takes to win the football game.”

Tight end Ben Brahmer had three catches – including a great one-handed pass on fourth down – while Tyler Moore had two catches for a score against the Red Wolves.

The Cyclones' top three running backs – Abu Sama, Hansen and Jaylon Jackson – all played at least seven times and averaged more than 4 yards per carry, all behind an offensive line that continues to improve as potential starters Jalen Travis and Deylin Hasert play their first games of the season after injuries.

“There's competition,” Campbell said, “and when there's competition, you come to practice better and play better within your abilities.”

“If you don’t, someone else will take your place.”

The whole situation just screams “advantages”.

Iowa State shows it can do a lot of things offensively. That means teams will have to defend not only against the entire field, but against Iowa State's entire formation as well.

“The challenge for us – can we continue to improve?” Campbell said. “Can you continue to improve? Can you continue to be present?”

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell talks about the success of running backs

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell talks about the success of running backs and tight ends in the win over Arkansas State

The challenge for Iowa State's offense is not to switch back and forth between the wide receivers, running backs and tight ends so they can get their moments. It's about making everything work together. Being everything to the defense all the time.

This may ultimately prove to be an ambitious goal, but the Cyclones indicate they may have the personnel needed to achieve it.

“We have a lot to prove,” Campbell said. “We're a football team that still has a lot of work to do.”

“Going into conference play, you want to at least gain some momentum for yourself, and I feel like we were able to do that at times (on Saturday).”

The Cyclones are 3-0. They have North Dakota under control. They beat Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. They lost to Arkansas State by 50 points.

And the most exciting thing about Iowa State football is what comes next.

Iowa State columnist Travis Hines has covered the Cyclones for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune since 2012. Contact him at [email protected] or (515) 284-8000. FFollow him on X at @TravisHines21.