FootballMen's Sports

GRAY: Brock Purdy’s approach to the “rough side of the mountain?” Keep the faith. Keep climbing.

Nov 7, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) greets his team at the sideline after they converted the extra point to tie the game at 24 during their football game against Baylor at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State would go on to win 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports AMES …

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FootballMen's Sports

GRAY: Breece Hall’s supreme confidence lights the path toward ISU’s required “killer instinct”

Oct 10, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Breece Hall (28) runs the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports. Want to cultivate that often elusive “killer instinct” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said his team needs to showcase in order …

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FootballMen's Sports

NOTEBOOK: Dekkers’ dazzling late-game debut at Kansas shines light on No. 17 ISU’s future

Oct 31, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Joe Scates (9) catches a pass for a touchdown as Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Duece Mayberry (22) defends during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Some call it “garbage time.” Or maybe, “mop-up duty.”  But Iowa …

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FootballMen's Sports

NOTEBOOK: Mike Rose on the defense closing games, Breece Hall on another big day and more

Oct 31, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Greg Eisworth II (12) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports  Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock often tells his players they need to act as …

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FootballMen's Sports

GRAY: Is ISU “finally” poised to take the next step?

Oct 31, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (17) is sacked by Iowa State Cyclones linebacker O’Rien Vance (34) and linebacker Mike Rose (23) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Greg Eisworth finally became the first Iowa State defensive back to snare …

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FootballMen's Sports

Breece Hall’s preparation — plus elite skills — key to the Cyclones’ success Saturday and beyond

Oct 10, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State running back Breece Hall (28) goes up and over the line for a touchdown to make the score 20-7 during their football game against Texas Tech at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports The nation’s most productive running back pummels defenders with power, pure …

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NOTEBOOK: Uptick in takeaways fueling needed opportunism in ISU’s defense

Oct 24, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Mike Rose (23) catches a deflected pass for an interception against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sarah Phipps-USA TODAY Sports Greg Eisworth’s nimble fingers altered the football’s trajectory. Mike Rose’s capable hands corralled it. The twice-touched interception early in No. …

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FootballMen's Sports

GRAY: Everyting has changed — except it hasn’t — as No. 17 ISU prepares for No. 6 Oklahoma State

Oct 6, 2018; Stillwater, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) scrambles against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports  Everything has changed. Yet nothing has.  I’d frame Saturday’s undoubtedly big game between No. 17 Iowa State and sixth-ranked Oklahoma State in …

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FootballMen's Sports

NOTEBOOK: On Brock Purdy’s growth since dynamic 2018 debut in Stillwater

Oct 6, 2018; Stillwater, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) celebrates with teammates after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports A calm settled over Brock Purdy two years ago when he made his Big 12 debut at Oklahoma State.  A city …

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