Iowa State will seek to close the regular season on a three-game winning streak Saturday afternoon when it faces Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla.
The Cyclones (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) realize they can’t count out the Cowboys despite their season-long struggles.
“When you watch this Oklahoma State team — and all you’ve gotta do is watch the last two games — how these kids are playing, it’s a tribute to their leadership in their locker room,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “It’s a tribute to the attitude and effort, and we know what Oklahoma State football is all about.”
After stopping a four-game slide and becoming bowl eligible with a 20-17 win at TCU on Nov. 8, the Cyclones bolstered their postseason standing with last week’s 38-14 victory against Kansas.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht threw three touchdown passes, including two to Brett Eskildsen.
Oklahoma State (1-10, 0-8) hopes to stop a 10-game losing streak. Drubbed at the outset of the skid and throughout October, the Cowboys have played opponents closer in recent weeks.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that everyone loves playing for each other and everyone loves this team,” Cowboys tight end Quinton Stewart said. “When everyone has that mindset, everyone wants to win. There’s no doubt in my mind that everyone’s going to give this last game everything they’ve got.”
Oklahoma State fell 14-6 to Kansas State on Nov. 15 before last week’s 17-14 loss to UCF, which won on a 34-yard field goal by Noe Ruelas in the final minute.
Cowboys quarterback Zane Flores passed and rushed for a touchdown in the first half, but the team surrendered 17 unanswered second-half points. The Cowboys know they must stand up to the Cyclones’ bruising run game.
Iowa State’s leading rusher — Carson Hansen (841 yards) — and Abu Sama III (645) are averaging at least 5 yards a carry.
“If you don’t match it and play physical, they’re going to do it,” Cowboys defensive tackle Aden Kelley said. “I think that’s a big focus for this week, just the physicality.”
