NOTIFICATIONS: The boys in Ames are stepping up – CycloneFanatic.com

Oct. 12, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Carson Hansen (26) runs the ball for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

No. 11 Iowa State traveled to Morgantown on Saturday and picked up a 28-16 win and its first 6-0 start since the 1938 season.

Let’s get to some insights.

Defensive injuries are still a problem

It may feel like this is a conversation every week, but that is the reality we find ourselves in right now. Iowa State has a group of banged up linebackers and some nagging injuries throughout the defensive unit, but they still found a way.

Linebackers Jacob Ellis suffered a lower-body injury in the first quarter and did not return to the game, but the Cyclones never gave up.

With a trio of guys from small, public high schools, the Cyclones found a way to hold West Virginia to 10 points and get the dub…

These guys are stepping up

No matter what situation Iowa State found itself in this year, there were clueless names that rose to the challenge.

It goes beyond what guys like Cooper Ebelwho has remained steadfast at the linebacker spot while others have struggled with injuries or the running back room who performs no matter who is on the field.

On Saturday it was true newbies Beau Goodwin – a late addition to Kingsley-Pearson High School’s 2024 recruiting class. He had two big TFLs on the same drive to slow West Virginia's offense.

Walkable Rylan Barnes was second on the team with nine tackles and 0.5 tackles for a loss in his second game on the field.

Jamison Patton He recorded his first interception as a Cyclone, stopping a West Virginia drive in a one-possession game.

“I was in the right place at the right time, just did my job and the ball came to me,” Patton said on the Varsity Network broadcast after the game.

And don't forget it Jontez Williamswho has an interception in three straight games – helping his team win another turnover battle this year.

— By the way, aren’t we talking about the new linebackers coach? Colby Kratch enough? He has overcome more adversity than anyone could imagine in his first year in office.

The same type of mentality can be applied to the running back room.

The Carson Hansen game

Tonight was the day Carson Hansen.

He fell into the shadows a little Jaylon Jackson a week ago, but his three trips to the end zone ensured he wouldn't be there Saturday. Hansen finished the game with 96 yards on 20 carries and scored three scores.

Iowa State has played three backs at the position all season, and each had their day in different weeks.

This staff may not deviate from the three-headed monster strategy in the coming weeks, but it's a positive sign that Hansen still looked as good as he did. On Saturday he was a real eye-catcher.

This was also reflected in the statistics sheet. Jackson had 19 yards on 12 carries Abu Sama managed six yards on two attempts. They wouldn't leave No. 26.

Progress in finding a third wideout

Aside from other things that have been brought up almost weekly this year, Iowa State still hasn't found its third true standout at wide receiver, but after tonight things might get tighter.

Transferred to North Dakota State Eli Green found a 12-yard reception that he converted on 3rd-and-long, then got the ball again on the following play, taking the ball 34 yards downfield.

The two plays fueled Iowa State's drive that gave the Cyclones a 21-10 lead in the fourth quarter and ultimately led to the victory.

That doesn't mean all problems have been solved, but it is progress

Walkable Carson Brown had a reception again and Isaiah Alston Has had plays on the field – just no catches.

The search is far from over, but it made more progress tonight than it has in the last three games.

…

Iowa State could have preseason top 10 teams in men's basketball, women's basketball and wrestling in the next few weeks.

Things are going well right now and the only thing standing between Iowa State and the next bye week is a 3-3 UCF team.

Oh, and an additional stat: Iowa State repeated three uniform combinations in away games for the first time in the Matt Campbell era – the last time the Cyclones repeated three combinations in home/away games, Brock Purdy led the team to a Fiesta Bowl in the very black ones.

Have fun with it, I'll have more in Musings on Monday, bright and early.

“I thought our kids had great attitude early on,” head coach said Matt Campbell said. “It's a great football environment, I think we knew that… Our mantra was: 'The louder they get, the harder we play.'”