Rob Gray

A second setback in a row would obviously be devastating to the Cyclones’ hopes of returning to the Big 12 title game.

Momcilovic is such a talented long-range shooter that his volume must go up even as opponents increasingly game plan to deny him looks.

As a freshman Sowell proudly donned a Buffaloes jersey — until head coach Deion Sanders took over the program and told him and many of his teammates to “jump into the portal” so he could fully reshape the downtrodden program.

No. 22 Cyclones struggled to execute in crucial junctures for the first time this season during Saturday’s 38-30 loss at Cincinnati, Mouser and Becht looked inward to correct issues on their side of the ball.

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Becht threw for 314 yards and touchdowns to Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell.

Saturday’s 38-30 loss at Cincinnati served as the latest object lesson for what stands between success and failure for the No. 14 Cyclones.

ISU’s already in uncharted territory by starting 5-0 (or better) for the second straight season. Here are the Cyclone’s keys to victory against Cincinnati.

“I think what makes Ben unique is he is a great football player,” said Cyclone head coach Matt Campbell, who will try to use the massive and multi-talented Brahmer in creative ways in Saturday’s 11 a.m. road matchup (ESPN2) with Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium.

Iowa State’sRocco Becht rushed for a single game career-high three touchdowns against Arizona and hopes for continued success against Cincinnati this week.

ISU football coach Matt Campbell announced Tuesday that All-Big 12 corner Jontez Williams has joined converted safety and multi-time all-conference honoree Jeremiah Cooper in being out for the season with an ACL injury.

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Cooper didn’t sulk, simmer nor feel sorry himself. He helped the 14th-ranked Cyclones (5-0, 0-2) the only way he could — as an injured but respected captain who’s earned all-Big 12 accolades three seasons in a row.

The Cyclones bolted to an early 15-0 lead that included a two-point conversion run by tight end Gabe Burkle. They maintained at least a two possession edge the rest of the night, too, while improving to 52-6 in the Campbell era when leading at halftime.