Countdown to kickoff: Day 29

Cyclone Fanatic is counting down the days until Iowa State’s season opener against Northern Iowa by bringing you a stat, former Cyclone moment or any other random tidbits every morning to help countdown the days.

No. 29 – Iowa State’s 295 rushing yards in the 2004 Independence Bowl

After making three straight bowl trips from 2000 to 2002, Iowa State missed out on the postseason in 2003. However, the Cyclones rebounded in 2004 and landed a spot in the 2004 Independence Bowl against the Miami (OH) Redhawks.

All season long, Iowa State was led by stud freshman quarterback Bret Meyer. But when the Cyclones faced the Redhawks that day, Meyer was ineffective as he completed only 10-of-28 passes for 114 yards. Since Iowa State couldn’t get anything going through the air against Miami (OH), it relied on its running game.

The late Stevie Hicks led the Cyclones on the ground with 159 yards and a touchdown. While Meyer didn’t have much success through the air for Iowa State, he got it done on the ground with 122 rushing yards. Ryan Kock, Todd Blythe, Jon Davis and Greg Coleman also contributed to Iowa State’s total of 295 rushing yards.

Iowa State to claim its first bowl win since 2000 by beating the Redhawks 17-13. Miami (OH) only ran for 60 yards in the game.