Jan 18, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Curtis Jones (5) talks with West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jonathan Powell (11) during the second half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
We’ve got a pair of losses from the weekend to digest, and it’s a national championship game day for college football. Let’s muse.
It can’t go like that
And Iowa State knows this. Playing on the road in any Big 12 environment is a struggle, but one that could have been managed Saturday had it shot better than 1-17 from the 3-point line.
The Cyclones had the lead with seven and a half minutes to go and tied the game with 2:34 to play when Keshon Gilbert drove and finished at the rim.
So Iowa State was right there despite the poor performance from three, 14 turnovers and just seven free throws attempted – and the previous season low in that stat was 18.
Had Iowa State gotten to the line more, maybe the 3-point number is just a bad number, rather than a key factor in a loss. Of course, all of this could improve this week as the team further transitions into this period where will it will be without starter Milan Momcilovic.
Bottom line: Iowa State wasn’t going to finish the league slate undefeated, even in a down year in the Big 12.
Was this the best time for a loss?
I hate that this is even a take that I have to write out, but unfortunately the date that a team loses certain games can play a major part in the national perception of that team.
Games carry more weight the later they appear in the year. Look at how bubble teams are treated in late February with every win and loss, and the early season games that get glossed over because they were played in November. Hell, I’ll throw in Notre Dame’s football loss to Northern Illinois – it’s not everything, but it is something.
Iowa State may have taken a loss at the most optimal time.
Since the last AP Poll was released Monday, seven of the top 10 teams in the rankings lost. By the end of Sunday, 20 of the top 25 teams in the poll dropped at least one game this week.
AP Top 10 teams to lose this week
No. 2 Iowa State lost to West Virginia
No. 4 Alabama lost to No. 21 Ole Miss
No. 5 Florida lost to Missouri
No. 6 Tennessee lost to Vanderbilt
No. 7 Marquette lost to Xavier
No. 8 Kentucky lost to No. 4 Alabama
No. 9 Kansas lost to No. 2 Iowa State
Throw in getting a top 10 win a few days earlier, and Iowa State should remain in a good spot.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see West Virginia jump back into the poll, either. Darian DeVries has got things working over there.
Morgantown nips women, opportunities running out
The women took on West Virginia Sunday without star point guard Emily Ryan and it proved to be too much to overcome.
Iowa State doesn’t yet have a top 25 win, and likely only has four opportunities for big wins the rest of the regular season.
It’s put up or shut up time for the Cyclones, who are back at home twice at Hilton this week before taking on a pair of those big opponents.
Iowa State men’s basketball adds ’26 guard
Also, Iowa State men’s basketball earned its first commitment to the 2026 class in Milwaukee guard Yusef Gray Jr. Sunday.
He’s a strong rebounder and his dad was high school teammates with new assistant coach and former Cyclone Diante Garrett.
We’ll have more on him and the upcoming junior days for football later this week.
Game Day for the National Championship
Monday marks the end to the “2024” college football season, which was another filled with unpredictability, big moments and fun times.
Enjoy it tonight wherever you’re watching, and show your Notre Dame friends Shane Gillis’ new ad with Under Armour. The guy always delivers.
Answer Shane’s Prayer. Go Irish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/jyJfCwxpyJ
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) January 18, 2025