Iowa State Football: Cyclones in thick of Big 12 race

Don’t look now but Iowa State football has won 3 straight games and sits at 3-1 in the Big 12. They Cyclones’ latest victim was Texas Tech, as Iowa State posted an impressive 31-13 win in Lubbock on Saturday.

There’s no question Matt Campbell has done a tremendous job since taking over in Ames. Campbell’s team has shown a gritty toughness during the 3-game winning streak. The offense has put up 30+ points in all three wins.

Iowa State caught everyone’s attention two weeks ago, when the Cyclones waltzed into Norman and handed Oklahoma its first loss of the season. After dismantling Kansas in Ames a week ago, and today’s dominating win over Kliff Kingsbury‘s Red Raiders, folks are now entertaining the thought that Iowa State is a legitimate Big 12 contender.

Iowa State will host TCU next Saturday, in what surely will be one of the biggest home games in the history of Jack Trice Stadium. Assuming TCU takes care of business later tonight at home against Kansas, next Saturday’s game will be a battle for the top spot in the Big 12. It’s the first time in 15 years the Cyclones have started 3-1 in the league.

Sophomore running back David Montgomery spearheaded the Cyclones’ offensive attack. The sophomore rushed for 164 yards on 28 carries. Senior quarterback Kyle Kempt, since taking over the starting job in Norman, has thrown for seven touchdowns and only one interception in the Cyclones’ 3-game winning streak. Iowa State has some serious momentum going in its favor right now. You can bet the fans in Ames will be hyped for next Saturday’s visit from the Horned Frogs.

The biggest factor for the resurgence may be an improve defense. Linebacker Joel Lanning had another monster day against Texas Tech. The senior recorded 14 tackles and added a key first-down conversion on offense. The Cyclones have surrendered just 13 points in their wins over Kansas and Texas Tech.

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It’s safe to say, it will be an exciting week in Ames. Campbell has pumped life into the program, and a home, sell-out crowd most likely awaits TCU next Saturday.