Iowa State football: Final grades for Cyclone coaches and offensive unit

Nov 30, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Jeremiah George (52) and head coach Paul Rhoads embrace after the defense stop West Virginia Mountaineers offense in the third overtime at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Iowa State Cyclones defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 52-44 in the third overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Rhoads: B-

This was the most unsuccessful season under the head coach after bowl chances were eliminated eight games into the season. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find a team that finished with a 3-9 record and played as hard as this team did until the very end.

Did they get blown out in multiple games? Absolutely. The games against Kansas State and the second-half against Oklahoma are inexcusable. But they played their hearts out in the final home game against Kansas, and they won a triple-overtime thriller at West Virginia.

The Cyclones never gave up under Rhoads, and that’s impressive considering how bad this season went.