Iowa State Football: 3 takeaways from disappointing loss to Kansas State

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AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after scoring a touchdown as teammate wide receiver La’Michael Pettway #7 of the Iowa State Cyclones watches on in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 41-31 over the Kansas Jayhawks. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

1. This was a season of “what ifs” for the Cyclones

Iowa State was “this close” to having a special season, but it’s going to go down as a season of “what ifs” for the Cyclones.

What does that mean? Well, Iowa State had a chance to win each one of their games, but all of their five losses were filled with missed opportunities.

It started with the Iowa game when it looked like they had the Hawkeyes right where they wanted them in a home rivalry game, but Iowa State was unable to come up with the plays down the stretch, losing by one point. And then it was a near come-from-behind win over Baylor after trailing 20-0 only to take a one-point lead late and then lose on a field goal.

Losing by a touchdown at home to a beatable Oklahoma State team hurt and then failing a two-point conversion that would have beaten Oklahoma on the road was painful.

And then there was Saturday’s blown 17-14 lead in the second half, allowing 13 straight points to the Wildcats. This could have been a statement win to close the year, but the Cyclones just couldn’t close it out.

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Iowa State was a handful of plays away from being in the position Baylor is, heading to the Big 12 title game to face Oklahoma again, but fans just have to wonder “what if?” as they wait for their bowl announcement.

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