Iowa State football: Midseason report card

Running backs: D-

Oct 4, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back DeVondrick Nealy (20) runs the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Atrocious. Just like last year, there’s no sort of running game to be found. It’s been nothing but disappointment for both Aaron Wimberly and DeVondrick Nealy.

As we’ve worried about in the past, Wimberly is hobbled up again and took the week off against Toledo. While the team shouldn’t give up on Wimberly, his size may be a problem in Big 12 play. Nealy’s also looked better when it’s come to making plays when the offensive line isn’t opening many holes.

Unless there’s significant improvement in this department, it’s going to be a long second half. If the line or the backs can’t run on the ground, then perhaps it’s time to do even more short passes, screens, options, or wheel routes — which have all been successful.