Takeaways: Iowa State vs UNI

The Cyclones got going in week one following a stellar year last season. The team came into this game as the 7th ranked team in the country, with high hopes of a strong start. The Cyclones are returning almost all of their starters, which gives them a strong case with experience. UNI has always given them problems, most recently with a triple overtime game 2 years ago. They continually play tough, and are amidst the strongest programs in the FCS. This trend continued in the game as the Cyclones ended up winning by just one score, 16-10. It was a rocky start in the first game for the top-10 team against the tough Panthers. The week one struggle continues for the team as just last year they were upset by Louisiana. Although they were not upset this season, they were still some questions that were left. The offense looked conservative and not willing to open up the playbook just yet. They had a couple of good drives, especially the touchdown drive, but had to settle for field goals three different times. You could tell Campbell didn't want to be too aggressive this game, and it showed in situations on 4th down that you would see him pull the trigger on normally. How the game was going, it appeared Campbell just wanted to make sure they got the win without having to do too much. They did the small things good, including how poised quarterback Brock Purdy looked not making big mistakes. On the other side of the ball, the defense looked good for the most part on the game. They did a good job of pressuring quarterback Will McElvain, and containing him with his rushing ability. The defense ended up with 2 interceptions on the game and didn't allow much other than the touchdown. The one thing the defense struggled with was wrapping up when tackling, and it showed on the one UNI touchdown. The game was a dog-fight, and tested Iowa State right off the bat of the season. There are some things the Cyclones need to clean up, and some more firepower come next week against Iowa. Expect the Cyclones to open up offensively and attack big and quick with their weapons. They will also have a lot to handle defensively as the Hawkeyes showed what they can do in week one against Indiana. The rivalry game should be another fight to the end, and the Cyclones look to improve to 2-0 on a hopeful season.