Rob Gray

Friday’s weather outlook proved to be fairly typical for Iowa State when it plays in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and the result — a 36-26 loss to Memphis at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium — mirrored the iffy atmospheric conditions.

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell could become the first head coach in Cyclone history to guide the team to four seasons featuring eight or more wins. Here are three keys for the Cyclones against Memphis in Friday’s Liberty Bowl.

A two-day retreat in service of at-risk youth moved Iowa State’s football team forward last summer. Humility reigned. Ego dissolved. And the Cyclones emerged fully unified after a thorny offseason that shook up the starting lineup while strengthening the players’ deep commitment to each other.

Few of Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock’s players heeded his 2023 call — “We’re going to need every guy in here — more than junior defensive end Joey Petersen.

Jeremiah Cooper’s early pick in the season opener against UNI set the tone for an Iowa State defense that’s plucked 16 opponents’ passes from the air, which is tied for the eighth-most nationally. A timely interception or two against prolific Tiger quarterback Seth Henigan could set the stage for ISU’s fourth eight-win season under head coach Matt Campbell and sixth bowl triumph in program history.

Robert Jones is the epitome of what Cyclone basketball is all about and a leader on and off the court

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell knows it won’t be easy to beat the nation’s seventh-best scoring offense in its home stadium for the second time during his eight-plus season tenure.

Curtis Jones and Robert Jones - no relation - combine for 34 points as Cyclones close pre-Christmas slate wtih 80-48 win over Eastern Illinois at Hilton Coliseum

Iowa State improved to 7-4 with a win over UNI in its final non-conference game. Freshmen led the way and Emily Ryan played a key role.

Iowa State football’s recruiting Class of 2024 includes 22 high school players who have the “fit, feel and family” Coach Matt Campbell likes.

But freshman women’s basketball star already is making 67 percent of her shots

Iowa State shot nearly 60 percent from the field. The Cyclones also forced 17 turnovers in the first half alone. So the outcome in what predictably turned into a runaway 96-58 win over outmanned Florida A&M Sunday at Hilton Coliseum was never remotely in doubt.

Iowa State’s first-team All-Big 12 point guard Emily Ryan returned to a standing ovation Sunday after she missed the first nine games because of a “health-related issue.”

Myles Purchase — who leads Iowa State in passes defended — may be the most experienced cornerback on the field for his team against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl.

Freshman QB has led Cyclone football back to a bowl game and is getting extra practice time as he continues to grow in his role