Cyclones Seek Historic 5-0 Start Against Baylor in Ames Showdown

Iowa State's first home Big 12 contest of the year could be a historic one for the Cyclones. The No. 16 Cyclones (4-0, 1-0 in Big 12 play) host the Baylor Bears (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) on Saturday night with a lot on the line. Iowa State is seeking its first 5-0 start since 1980, and a win would keep the Cyclones on pace with the five other Big 12 teams who are unbeaten in conference play.

Cyclones Poised for Breakthrough Performance Against Struggling Bears

Cyclones Aiming for Rare 5-0 Start

Iowa State's impressive 4-0 start to the season has put the Cyclones in position to achieve something they haven't done in over four decades - open a campaign with a 5-0 record. The last time Iowa State accomplished this feat was in 1980, when the Cyclones raced out to a 5-0 start before finishing the year 7-4. This year's squad, led by veteran head coach Matt Campbell, has the opportunity to make history and cement their status as one of the top teams in the Big 12 with a victory over Baylor on Saturday night.The Cyclones have been dominant through the first month of the season, winning each of their four games by an average margin of 16.5 points. Their lone conference victory came in a 27-13 triumph over then-No. 17 Baylor in Waco last October, a game in which Iowa State jumped out to a 17-0 lead and never looked back. With the Bears struggling to a 2-3 start and 0-2 mark in Big 12 play, the Cyclones will be heavily favored to extend their unbeaten run and secure their first 5-0 start in 44 years.

Cyclones Aiming to Keep Pace with Big 12 Unbeatens

In addition to the historical significance of a potential 5-0 start, Iowa State's matchup with Baylor also carries major conference implications. The Cyclones are currently one of six Big 12 teams that remain undefeated in league play, joining Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, TCU, and Texas. A win over the Bears would not only maintain Iowa State's perfect record but also keep them firmly in the hunt for a Big 12 championship.With parity running rampant throughout the conference, every game takes on added importance for the Cyclones as they look to separate themselves from the pack. A victory on Saturday would give Iowa State a 2-0 conference record and a leg up on the rest of the field, setting the stage for a potential showdown with one of the other unbeaten Big 12 squads down the line. The Cyclones have their sights set on their first conference title since 2020, and a win over Baylor would be a significant step towards that goal.

Cyclones Seeking Revenge After Last Year's Defeat

While the Cyclones are focused on the bigger picture of their 5-0 start and Big 12 title aspirations, they also have a personal score to settle with Baylor. Last season, the Bears handed Iowa State one of its three losses, defeating the Cyclones 30-18 in Waco. In that game, Baylor jumped out to an early 17-0 lead and never allowed Iowa State to get within one possession, ultimately cruising to the victory.The Cyclones will be eager to avenge that defeat and prove that they are the superior team when the two squads meet in Ames on Saturday. Iowa State's defense, which has been stifling opponents all season, will be tasked with slowing down a Baylor offense that has shown flashes of potential but has also struggled with consistency. On the other side of the ball, the Cyclones' balanced attack led by quarterback Rocco Becht will look to exploit a Bears defense that has been vulnerable at times.With both teams having something to prove, this matchup has all the makings of a classic Big 12 showdown. Iowa State will be determined to avenge last year's defeat and cement its status as one of the conference's elite teams, while Baylor will be desperate to pull off the upset and get its season back on track. The stage is set for an epic clash in Ames, and the Cyclones will be eager to come out on top.

Cyclones Facing Injury Concerns on Defense

While the Cyclones have been dominant on both sides of the ball this season, they have faced some injury concerns, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. In last week's game against Baylor, Iowa State lost several key contributors, including defensive tackle Domonique Orange and cornerback Myles Purchase, to injuries.The status of these players for Saturday's game remains uncertain, and their potential absences could pose a significant challenge for the Cyclones' defense. Orange, in particular, has been a vital cog in the middle of the Iowa State defensive line, and his loss would be felt against a Baylor offense that has shown the ability to run the ball effectively.If the Cyclones are forced to play without some of their defensive starters, it will be up to the depth and versatility of the unit to step up and fill the void. Players like linebacker J.R. Singleton and cornerback Darien Porter will need to be ready to contribute in expanded roles, and the coaching staff will have to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the defense remains stout.Overcoming these injury concerns will be crucial for Iowa State as they look to secure a historic 5-0 start and keep pace with the other unbeaten teams in the Big 12. The Cyclones' defense has been a strength all season, and they will need that unit to rise to the occasion once again on Saturday night in Ames.

Cyclones Seeking to Capitalize on Baylor's Struggles

While the Cyclones have been rolling through the early part of the season, their opponent on Saturday, the Baylor Bears, have been mired in a bit of a slump. The Bears have stumbled to a 2-3 record overall and are still searching for their first conference win, having dropped their first two Big 12 matchups.Baylor's struggles have been particularly evident in their last two games, both of which resulted in losses. Two weeks ago, the Bears blew a 24-10 lead at Colorado, allowing the Buffaloes to tie the game on a 43-yard touchdown pass as time expired in regulation. Last week, Baylor fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter against BYU before mounting a comeback that ultimately fell short, losing 34-28.These recent performances have highlighted the inconsistencies and vulnerabilities within the Baylor program. The Bears have yet to establish a clear identity on offense, with quarterback Sawyer Robertson and a committee of running backs all vying for touches. Defensively, Baylor has struggled to stop the run and has been susceptible to big plays through the air.Iowa State will be looking to capitalize on these Baylor weaknesses and assert their dominance on both sides of the ball. The Cyclones' balanced offensive attack, led by Becht and a stable of talented running backs, should be able to exploit the Bears' defensive deficiencies. On the other side of the ball, Iowa State's stifling defense will aim to rattle Robertson and force the Baylor offense into mistakes.If the Cyclones can take advantage of Baylor's current struggles and play to their full potential, they have a golden opportunity to secure a convincing victory and maintain their perfect start to the season. A win over the reeling Bears would not only keep Iowa State's 5-0 dream alive but also solidify their status as one of the top teams in the Big 12.