Iowa State Looks to Advance to Big 12 Title Game

The Iowa State Cyclones football team has not won a conference championship since 1912. Iowa State has never won an outright conference title, sharing it with Nebraska in both 1911 and 1912. They never had so much as a share of the Big Eight or Big 12 title since. With a win over Kansas, Iowa State will win the Big 12 North for the first time and have a shot at #2 Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game.

The Cyclones have had an interesting season to say the least. After starting 3-0, including a huge win over Iowa, Iowa State almost stumbled at Army, escaping with a 28-21 victory. The Cyclones then followed with three straight losses to Nebraska, Baylor and Missouri. Now the Cyclones have reeled off four consecutive wins over Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Colorado. Iowa State won those games by an average of 24 points and they are now 7-3. Bret Meyer, Todd Blythe and Stevie Hicks combine to form a lethal trio on offense. Meyer is Vince Young Lite. He can run, throw and make plays. Todd Blythe, as well as converted QB Austing Flynn, have combined for nearly 90 catches and 9 touchdowns. Stevie Hicks is a speedy tailback who can bust long runs and spark drives. Ryan Kock is a tremendous goal line back who has scored 12 TD's this season. Iowa State runs a well balanced offense and if Texas A&M's rather one dimensional attack gave them trouble, Iowa State is well capable of giving them all they can handle.

Unfortunately for Iowa State, closing out the season is a concern. Last season in the same position, Iowa State faced 4-6 Missouri at home. The Cyclones ended up losing to the Tigers in overtime and Colorado won the Big 12 North title. Now Iowa State has to travel to 5-5 Kansas. The Jayhawks can become bowl eligible with a victory and spoil Iowa State's hopes of the North title (which Colorado would win for the third time in four years). It isn't a marquee match up by any means but both teams have a motivation to win.