Iowa State sees positives in narrow losses

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State is a handful of plays from being unbeaten in the Big 12 Conference and sitting alone at the top of the standings. That’s the dream scenario for the Cyclones’ season.

The reality is they find themselves in the middle of the pack at 3-3 in the league and, with only three games left, still not eligible for a bowl.

Iowa State (5-4 overall), which hosts Texas on Saturday, has lost its three conference games by a total of 10 points, the latest a 42-41 setback at Oklahoma. The Sooners intercepted a 2-point conversion in the final minute to deny the Cyclones a victory after they rallied from a 21-point deficit in the second half.

That’s been the story of the Cyclones’ season. They’re in it until the end, then go unrewarded because they can’t come up with the one play that makes a difference.

So, is this a team that’s encouraged because it has shown it can play with everyone on its schedule or frustrated because it can’t win games within its grasp?

“It’s a little bit of both,” defensive end Zach Peterson said Tuesday. “It’s nice to be right there every time, but it’s frustrating because it’s all precision. Everyone or someone might be just an inch off here or there. It gets discouraging, but this team will never stop fighting.”

Iowa State lost its Big 12 opener to league-leading Baylor 23-21 on a late field goal after charging back from a 20-0 deficit.

Three weeks ago, Iowa State trailed Oklahoma State 21-10, rallied to a 27-all tie, then lost on an interception the Cowboys returned for a touchdown.

Those kinds of losses can sap a team’s resiliency. Tight end Chase Allen doesn’t see that happening.

“I believe when people are faced with that, it depends on their own mindset on which way they’re going to take that, whether it’s in the positive and encouraging or just lose belief in themselves,” Allen said. “I can say about this team, we haven’t lost belief and we’re going to keep doing everything we can to show that.”