Iowa State football: Five takeaways from a victory over the Kansas Jayhawks

At least the Iowa State Cyclones won’t go through a whole season without winning a Big 12 game. Here’s what else the team and fans can take away from the 34-0 blowout.

Nov 23, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones receiver Justin Coleman (80) catches a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks defenders Courtney Arnick (58) and Dexter Linton (23) in the third quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State won 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Amid criticism, at least the seniors will have good things to remember from a disappointing season.

Lots of seniors, especially the group of running backs, haven’t lived up to their expectations all season. Despite the season being lost, at least they were able to step up on senior night and give a show to all the fans that braved the cold.

2. When given a consistent running attack, Grant Rohach looks much more comfortable.

It’s pretty obvious, but when the defense is unable to stop the running game, Rohach had a considerable longer amount of time to make his throws. In three consecutive weeks, ISU’s new quarterback has seen a lot of improvement. On Saturday night, he only missed five passes in 20 attempts and had exactly 300 yards.

3. A win is exciting, but remember, it was against Kansas.

Not to turn out the lights on the party, but the Jayhawks are 100th or worse in total offense and defense nationally. They don’t have a quarterback can the pass the ball well, and in Saturday’s game even when the ball was delivered to the receivers, they dropped it multiple times. This is a team that really struggled all season, and the Cyclones’ other win against Tulsa isn’t that impressive either. But in a season filled with blowouts, injuries, and gut-wrenching close losses, it simply feels good to get a win.

Nov 23, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Paul Rhoads hugs linebacker Jeremiah George (52) after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State won 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Iowa State’s defense continues to improve each week.

When it’s given an offense that can stay on the field and score, it can look good for an entire game. However, if we thought the defense was going to miss A.J. Klein and Jake Knott, they’re really going to miss Jeremiah George and Jacques Washington next season.

5. Maybe the Cyclones should play all of their games in Antarctica.

They tend to play a lot better on a frozen tundra.