Rece Davis Identifies Biggest Obstacle For Potential Big 12 Contender

On the most recent episode of the " College GameDay Podcast " with Rece Davis and Pete Thamel, the former discussed the Iowa State football team's chances to compete in the Big 12 Conference this season.

With a shoutout to former President George W. Bush, Davis shared skepticism regarding the Cyclones' potential.

"Iowa State, if I could quote a great American philosopher, 'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me — can't get fooled again.' Obscure reference perhaps, but at any rate, I'm going to need to see it," Davis proclaimed. "I really like Matt Campbell. Everything that I look at in their personnel makes me think, if I'm looking for someone to not say Utah, that would be them because of the way they play defense year in and year out."

Davis went on to explain how Iowa State's biggest obstacle this season will be one-score games.

"They were 1-6 in games decided by four points or fewer the last three seasons," Davis recalled. "They've lost 13 of their last 16 one-score games."

The Cyclones' streak of five consecutive bowl games was snapped after a 4-8 season in 2022. However, Iowa State bounced back to post a 7-6 overall record last year.

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The Cyclones are led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht and head coach Matt Campbell. Becht's top two playmakers are senior wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.

Iowa State begins the 2024 season by hosting North Dakota on Aug. 31. The following week, the Cyclones will travel to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes for in-state supremacy. Iowa State's conference gauntlet begins on Oct. 5 versus Baylor.

Following Oklahoma and Texas' respective departures to the SEC, there's no better time than the present for Campbell to contend for a Big 12 championship.

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