Oklahoma Football: Kyler Murray wows again win over Iowa State

2. It’s still too early to tell if Iowa State’s 2017 season was a fluke

What Matt Campbell and Iowa State were able to accomplish last season was historic. Ames, Iowa was vaulted into the national dialogue and the Cyclones had an outside chance at sneaking into the College Football Playoff midway through the 2017 season.

Entering 2018 the question was whether or not that one memorable season was the confluence of several lucky bounces or the beginning of a new era of competitiveness for Iowa State. Scoring three points against Iowa wasn’t an encouraging start, but a strong outing against Oklahoma has officially put the verdict firmly into “wait and see” status.

Beating Oklahoma every season isn’t a reasonable expectation, but Iowa State gave the Sooners everything they could handle. Hakeem Butler is filling the void left by Allen Lazard. He had a big day on Saturday, catching five balls for 174 yards and two big touchdowns.

On the ground, David Montgomery continues to be a bruiser, always falling forward and getting the extra yard. If the Cyclones can find consistent quarterback play by either Zeb Noland or Kyle Kempt, one good season could turn into two, then three, then more.