Sep 13, 2026 · 25 min
Iowa State’s defense keeps a narrow rivalry loss from defining its season
CF POSTGAME: Iowa State falls to No. 21 Iowa
The discussion weighs Iowa State’s missed chances and quarterback questions against a defensive performance that may signal the team’s identity under Jimmy Rogers.
- 1Iowa State’s defense limited Iowa’s rushing attack and kept the Cyclones competitive despite injuries and limited depth.
- 2Missed opportunities, offensive inconsistency, and quarterback uncertainty turned a winnable rivalry game into a 13–16 loss.
- 3Chris Williams and Lea Nelson see a physical, low-scoring team emerging that can compete in the Big 12.
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The hosts pivot from disappointment over the Iowa loss to confidence that Jimmy Rogers is building a physical, low-scoring Iowa State team.
The brief
Chris Williams and Lea Nelson react to Iowa State’s 13–16 loss to Iowa with equal parts pride and frustration: the Cyclones competed, but left a winnable rivalry game behind.
The hosts trace the defeat to small failures, including a false start and a missed deep touchdown chance, while injuries and limited depth raise larger concerns.
Iowa State’s defensive line and overall unit earned praise for limiting Iowa’s rushing attack, offering a sturdier foundation than the offense currently provides.
The sharpest debate centers on quarterback play, the running game, and whether Connor Moberly should share reps as the staff searches for a clearer offensive identity.
Despite the loss, the hosts express confidence in Jimmy Rogers and describe a physical, low-scoring style that could carry Iowa State into Big 12 competition.
Featuring
Lea NelsonListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.