After a tough seven-point loss to rival Iowa last year, things continued to trend in the wrong direction for the Iowa State football team.

They left the comforts of Ames and headed out to play MAC Ohio program on the road. Unable to get the offense going, the Cyclones suffered a 10-7 loss to the Bobcats, leading many to even question Matt Campbell as head coach.

More than a year later, Iowa State is playing for its first-ever Big 12 championship.

The Cyclones (10-2) completed a streak as Big 12 regular-season champions and play Arizona State (10-2) on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. With a win they will secure a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht was asked about a 29-21 win over Kansas State on Saturday night after the September 2023 loss to Ohio. With this win, Iowa State secured its first ten-win season in program history.

We looked at ourselves in the mirror and recognized each other. It has now led us to this point

– Rocco Becht on losing to Ohio in 2023

“We looked at ourselves in the mirror and understood each other,” Becht said. “A lot of great things came out of this game. We got back to work and ultimately it got us to this point.”

Becht threw for 348 yards in a 34-27 win over Oklahoma State the following week, and ISU was on the rise. They would finish the year 7-5 before suffering a tough bowl game loss to Memphis.

This season the Cyclones won seven games in a row, with Becht directing the offense perfectly. They hit a few bumps with setbacks against Texas Tech and Kansas, but bounced back by winning their last three games.

“It’s faith and persistence,” Becht said. “It may not have gone the way we wanted, but we overcame adversity and we overcame a lot. We just trust each other and continue to play for each other.”

Becht praises the senior players for getting Iowa State through these tough stretches. The group was honored in an emotional moment before kickoff against Kansas State.

“To get 10 wins is unheard of and it’s great for these seniors to come out of this program with a legacy,” he said. “People are going to remember this team, and what they’re going to remember most is these seniors because they were able to lead us and carry us along all season long.”

“It’s really remarkable for these guys and I’m so happy for them.”

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