Rob Gray

Cyclones fall to No. 21 in AP football poll heading into Big 12 game at struggling Colorado

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.

Cyclone football: First true Big 12 road game on tap with Big 12 title aspirations in the mix

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.

“I think the reality — fortunate or unfortunate — (is) the life we live here, there (are) a lot of one-score games, so you’re always gonna live that. That’s just how it goes.” Here’s how Iowa State matches up in one score games.

Arizona’s seeking to prove it belongs in the league’s top tier after languishing near the bottom last season. Iowa State’s eager to maintain its status among the conference’s top teams after reaching the Big 12 title game a year ago.

Arizona’s defense relies in a unique 4-2-5 scheme that seeks to wreak havoc at the point of attack, blowing up combination blocks to drop running backs and quarterbacks in the backfield multiple times per game.

Iowa State Basketball: Two-time All-Big 12 Tamin Lipsey is out 4-6 weeks

Record-setting walk-on kicker Kyle Konrardy, who “probably” remains out with what Cyclone head coach Matt Campbell called a leg injury.