Iowa State football is having another big night with its wideouts

AMES – When everything is good, sometimes it's natural to look for problems. Or to put it another way: get greedy. Really not letting good be good enough. Want more. Seek perfection.

Sometimes that means creating problems where none exist.

Take Iowa State University's passing game, for example.

For weeks, we, the media, you, the fans, and even the Iowa State football team itself have been discussing the “need” for a third receiving option to emerge as a consistent threat.

The Cyclones “need,” the thinking goes, another option to stretch the field and relieve pressure on Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.

But after another monster game from this monster duo, I have to ask: Does it even matter?

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Certainly it would be nice to see Ben Brahmer, Beni Ngoyi, Eli Green or someone else break through as such a consistent, dynamic third option. But if Higgins and Noel do what they did in Saturday's 43-21 win over Baylor, it's probably nothing to worry about.

“Those two,” Iowa State running back Jaylon Jackson said, “you don't want to play one-on-one with those two out there. “They're going to win no matter what.

“These two are special.”

They really are.

Higgins extended his school record of consecutive games with a touchdown reception to seven by catching eight passes for 116 yards and setting up the game-winning score late in the third quarter. Noel had five grabs for 98 yards and moved into third all-time for career receptions as a Cyclone.

She accounted for 77 percent of Iowa State's receiving yards and 81 percent of the team's receiving throws against the Bears.

It's definitely a dynamic duo. But the multiverse version with two Batmans. No sidekicks needed.

“They've obviously done great things for us,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said, “and will continue to play great football for us.”

Iowa State had a nice night with Brahmer, who was perhaps the best candidate to break through as the third option given his size and skill at the tight end position. He had two catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

This is undoubtedly helpful. But the way they can get the ball to their two playmakers is a bonus, not a necessity, for Iowa State's offense.

“They continue to be there for us and continue to make big plays,” quarterback Rocco Becht said. “All I have to do is put the ball near these players and they will make a big play and get the ball for us.

“I love these guys.”

And what's not to love?

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Higgins is a 6-foot, 220-pound player who emerged from obscurity in two seasons at Eastern Kentucky and became a star at Iowa State thanks to his ability to clear corners with size and speed.

The 5-foot-10 Noel is the perfect addition as he has been one of Iowa State football's best and most consistent players over the past four years.

Together, they give Iowa State the ability to damage the defense anywhere.

“The thing about these two guys is that they can really play anywhere,” Campbell said. “You are not just an insider or an outsider. They can really cover the entire spectrum.

“It’s really important to find ways to create matchups for the guys that are positive.”

Six of Higgins' eight catches resulted in first downs or a touchdown. He incurred three pass interference penalties to gain another 45 yards for the Iowa State offense.

“That’s the work he puts in,” Becht said. “He’s the last one here every night (to practice) to get the work done.

“No matter how well he plays in the game, he will still be in the film room or on the field and he will be the last one here.”

Iowa State needs a versatile offense, and Jackson's first 100-yard game in his career helps move things in that direction. Brahmer's two large handles add to the equation.

These things will matter peripherally. You can decide about profits and losses.

But let's be honest: the hard work is done by the stars.

“We have a lot of really good football players,” Campbell said. “You can’t play big games without really talented players.

“Our boys are playing right now.”

And when those guys are Higgins and Noel, that's more than enough.

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.

Iowa State football is having another big night with its wideouts

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