Iowa State football: Five takeaways from Cyclones loss to Oklahoma Sooners

After a solid first half of action, Iowa State rolls over in Norman and gets beat down 48-10 by Oklahoma. There’s plenty of positive and negatives to take a way from the game, so let’s get cracking.

Nov 16, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Kendal Thompson (1) runs the ball against Iowa State Cyclones Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Jeremiah George (52) in the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. At least the team hasn’t quit on the season.

Yes, the Iowa State football team, with their 1-9 record, is a horrible team that arguably has one more win on their record after the missed call at Texas. Many fans like to say that the season derailed against the Longhorns and if they could have actually won that game, this team would have better mojo and would have had a better season.

That’s absolute crap. This team isn’t any good because they’re overmatched in just about every game, the quarterback situation is a mess, and play calling has been as inconsistent as the New York Jets’ football season. But these players, especially on defense, try as hard as they can until they break during the game. It’s a bad team that can’t handle close or adverse situations, and it would’ve been the same way if the Texas game was a win or a loss.

2. Aaron Wimberly was refreshing to watch again.

It wasn’t a dominant game, but Wimberly looked as healthy as he’s been all season. He finished the day with 13 carries for 50 yards. Pounding the running game at Oklahoma was the only way to beat them.

3. No one wants to hear it, but the running back position should be much better next season.

The senior running backs will be leaving the Cyclones with a silent exit after an ultimately disappointing season. However, the younger players that are getting more reps, Wimberly and DeVondrick Nealy, are looking pretty good considering how bad the offensive line is. If the O-line has any kind of consistency next season, this could be a dangerous tandem.

4. Grant Rohach shows improvement, but…

I really don’t know what to think about the quarterback situation. It’s obviously going to be an open slot next year, and quite honestly I’d just like to see a new quarterback step up and be the starter. Sam Richardson could be too injury prone, and Rohach needs much more time to improve if he wants to make an impact.

5. Offensive play calling issues, part 492.

There wasn’t much to complain about in play calling (unless having Richardson throw was a bad idea), until under three minutes to go in the second quarter. They went incredibly conservative starting near midfield, and there was no excuse to come out of that with a punt. Then, when OU tied the game, the Cyclones decide to just run out the clock. Be aggressive – the team needed a jolt after the 91-yard punt return for a touchdown took all the wind out of them. Instead, ISU absolutely embarrassed themselves for an entire half of football.