The Iowa State Cyclones football team is on the verge of making history, with a chance to achieve their best start ever at 8-0 if they can defeat Texas Tech this Saturday. However, the team's sights are set on an even loftier goal - securing a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. As they navigate a challenging November schedule, the Cyclones are determined to cement their status as one of the top programs in the Big 12 and potentially earn a coveted playoff berth.

Cyclones Eyeing Big 12 Title and Playoff Berth

Uncharted Territory for Iowa State

The Cyclones have never won a Big 12 championship, but this season presents a golden opportunity to change that. With a 7-0 record and a No. 10 national ranking, Iowa State is poised to make a historic run. Coach Matt Campbell has instilled a winning mentality in his team, and the players are embracing the challenge of finishing the season strong. "We've done a lot of firsts here that haven't been done and that's all awesome, but the reality of it is, you're defined by how you finish and what you do to finish this thing out," Campbell said.

Big 12 Landscape and Playoff Implications

The Big 12 conference is shaping up to be a battleground for playoff spots, with several teams vying for a spot in the 12-team field. Undefeated No. 12 BYU and No. 15 Kansas State are the Cyclones' primary competition, and the regular-season finale between Iowa State and Kansas State could decide the conference champion. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is confident that the conference will have "multiple teams in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff," adding to the high stakes for the Cyclones.

Navigating the Remaining Schedule

Iowa State's remaining schedule is a daunting one, with three home games against Texas Tech, Cincinnati, and Kansas State, as well as road trips to Kansas and Utah. The Cyclones are favored in most of these matchups, but the games against Kansas (55.9% chance to win) and Kansas State (53.1%) are projected to be close. Avoiding regular-season chaos and securing a spot in the Big 12 championship game will be crucial for the Cyclones' playoff aspirations.

Potential Playoff Scenarios for Iowa State

The Cyclones have several paths to the College Football Playoff, each with its own set of challenges and implications. The best-case scenario would be for Iowa State to win out and capture the Big 12 title, which would likely secure them a top-four seed and a first-round bye in the playoff. However, even if they go undefeated in the regular season but lose the Big 12 championship game, they may still have a chance at an at-large bid. Losing to Kansas State and missing the Big 12 title game would significantly hurt their playoff hopes, while two regular-season losses would likely eliminate them from contention.

The Cyclones' Defining Moment

As the Cyclones navigate the final stretch of the season, they are well aware of the magnitude of the moment. "We got a big month in November. We got big games coming. Our kids have done a great job of putting ourselves in position to play important games in November and we're going to have to demand to get ourselves better and I think that's a great challenge in front of this team right now," Campbell said. With the potential for a historic season and a playoff berth on the line, the Cyclones are poised to write a new chapter in their program's legacy.