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Iowa State heads to Austin this weekend not only looking to rebound from a tough loss to No. 12 Oklahoma, but to keep hopes alive of going to a bowl game for the third time in four years. The Cyclones (5-4, 2-4) need just one win to ensure bow eligibility for the second season in a row.
"I don't believe that that's everyone's goal or priority is `OK, we've just got to get that sixth win. I think it's `OK, we've got to go out and focus on beating Texas this week,''' sophomore linebacker Jevohn Miller said.
The Cyclones have struggled on offense this season but have shined on the other side of the ball, ranking No. 29 in the country on defense while allowing just 21.4 points per game. The team has started to find a groove on the ground, however, rushing for 99 yards on 24 carries against the Sooners and hoping to build momentum going against a Longhorns team that has struggled against the run this season.
Iowa State has made it to a bowl game just eleven times in the program's history, but seven times since 2000. The Cyclones went 6-7 in 2011 and lost in the Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers, 27-13.