AMES, Iowa — Iowa State is coming off of the first of two bye weeks this season and it couldn't have come at a better time -- after a very physical, hard-fought win over their rival Iowa.
Only two games into the season, the Cyclones have already dealt with their fair share of injuries. ISU head coach Matt Campbell said having an extra week to get some of those guys closer to being 100% has been very beneficial.
"We played a physical brand of football the first two weeks of the season, and not that it was perfect, but I think that the physicality matched what we wanted to get accomplished," said Campbell. "So, I think getting some guys back to full strength, and I think all those things were really big. I think that we're so young in so many areas that we really looked at it as like another week of fall camp, and we were able to have really quality practices last week, which I thought was huge."
While the bye week came a little earlier than they're used to, the players certainly appreciated the extra rest. Feeling refreshed and confident, the team had a good week of practice as they prepared to host the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
"Coming off a win against our rival, I think it just gave us the momentum and the confidence to go into that bye; we can get better and prepare for this week," said redshirt sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht.
This will be the first ever meeting between Iowa State and Arkansas State. It will also be ISU's first game ranked in the AP Top 25 this season.
The matchup between the two teams is Iowa State's final game before Big 12 play begins. With a win, Matt Campbell could tie the program record for most career wins with 56.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 21 at Jack Trice Stadium. The game will be shown on ESPN+.