The Iowa State Cyclones’ 38-30 road loss to Cincinnati served as a jarring wake-up call, immediately exposing flaws that cast doubt on their status as a Big 12 title contender. The core issue wasn't the final score, but the disastrous opening half, where the Cyclones looked utterly unprepared for a pivotal conference matchup. For a ranked team, the quick 17-0 deficit rapidly ballooned into a near-insurmountable 31-7 margin late in the second quarter.
The team showed an uncharacteristic lack of discipline, committing costly penalties and making what appeared to be “horrible decisions” that directly extended Cincinnati’s scoring drives. Defensive breakdowns and an offense unable to sustain drives early on suggested a systemic lack of focus unbecoming of a top-tier program. They simply did not execute with the intensity or precision expected of a Big 12 frontrunner, ceding momentum immediately to the Bearcats.
While the Cyclones rallied impressively in the second half, proving their grit and scoring thirty total points, the damage was already irreversible. There is still ample season remaining to recover in the crowded Big 12 race. However, this painful defeat confirms a harsh reality: if Iowa State repeats that calamitous first-half performance against future opponents, their pursuit of a conference championship will end much sooner than anticipated. The time for course correction is now.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
5-Hour ENERGY
Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today.
Square
To learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollege
Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.
Quo
See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.
DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.
Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.
Mazda. Move and Be Moved.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
