What Colorado fans need to know about the Iowa State Cyclones
Heading into Week 7 of the season, the Buffs' hope to be in good shape offensively and defensively after tough matchups versus BYU and TCU. But the schedule does not get any easier with Iowa State coming to Boulder in what should be one of their most challenging games. The Cyclones are an experienced group returning 14 starters from last season.
While it will still be early in conference play for both teams, this game could separate either team as contenders for the Big 12. The Cyclones and Buffs have a long history dating back to 1946, with this year's matchup being the two programs' 66th all-time meeting.
The Buffaloes host the Cyclones at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, for their fourth conference game and fifth home game of the season.
Opponent Previews: Georgia Tech, Delaware, Houston, Wyoming, BYU, TCU
2024 in review
Iowa State is coming off an unprecedented season where they went 11-3 with a win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl over Miami. Their conference schedule was on the easier side, with six of their nine conference opponents being in the bottom eight of the Big 12. However, when push came to shove, the Cyclones won their biggest games.
ISU's biggest game of the season was a Week 12 matchup against Kansas State. The Cyclones' defense held the Wildcats' top-five offense to limited production in the second half and secured their first 10-win season in program history.
Head coach profile
The Cyclones are led by the winningest head coach in program history, Matt Campbell. He is the third-longest tenured head coach in the Big 12 and has helped build Iowa State into a winning program. Since 2016, he has had only two losing seasons and three bowl wins in seven appearances. Coming off his most successful season, can his teams remain consistent, and will he be able to propel himself as one of college football's top coaches?
Top offensive player
Rocco Becht had an impressive red-shirt sophomore campaign and can take an even bigger jump in 2025. He was third in the Big 12 in passing yards and fifth in touchdowns. He completed nearly 60% of his passes while passing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Heading into this season, Becht is expected to spearhead the Cyclones' offense into another successful year. However, he lost his top two targets from last season, so it'll depend on other receivers to step up and make plays.
Top defensive players
It's challenging to select a single defensive player for Iowa State when they have three players who made the preseason All-Big 12 team. The Cyclones had a middle-of-the-pack defense in 2024; however, their pass defense was elite, thanks in part to the contributions of these two cornerbacks.
Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams each had successful 2024 seasons that earned them a spot on the All-Big 12 team. In 2024, Cooper was lockdown corner with a team-leading eight pass deflections, two interceptions and 48 tackles. Williams had a similar season with 46 tackles, but snagged a few more picks with four while still tallying five pass deflections.
2025 schedule
Way-too-early Colorado matchup preview
The Buffs and Cyclones, at this point in the 2025 season, should be must-watch television. While fans might expect a high-scoring matchup between Rocco Becht and Colorado's reconfigured offense, the game is likely to be a defensive slugfest. The Buffs' defense isn't likely to take a significant step back, and Iowa State's defense is solid and could lock down a Colorado offense still figuring things out.
Ultimately, the Buffaloes' fate will depend on two things: can they get to the quarterback, and can they produce on offense? Iowa State has a strong offensive line with many returning starters that could stump Robert Livingston's aggressive play calling. This game is a toss-up.
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