Iowa State ranked No. 24 in initial College Football Playoff poll

Oct 27, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Marcel Spears Jr. (42) celebrates with defensive back Brian Peavy (10) after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Red Raiders 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight year, Iowa State is among the team’s listed in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.

The Cyclones are slated at No. 24 in the initial rankings released on Tuesday. They are one of four Big 12 teams in the poll — joining Oklahoma (No. 7), West Virginia (No. 13) and Texas (No. 17). Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Notre Dame made up the top-four spots in the rankings and would be the four participants in the College Football Playoff if the season ended today.

Iowa State just completed its second straight undefeated month of October, which included wins over No. 25 Oklahoma and No. 6 West Virginia. The Cyclones were ranked No. 15 in the committee’s first rankings last season after picking up four-straight wins including upset victories over No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 4 TCU.

The Cyclones will take on Kansas on Saturday in an 11 a.m. kick in Lawrence.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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