College football: 10 teams that will take the next step after big bowl win

College football team ready to make a leap No. 4: Iowa State Cyclones

Bowl Result: Def. Oregon 34-17 in PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

Heading into the Big 12 Championship Game, it appeared as if the Iowa State Cyclones had at least an outside shot of making it into the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, they were unable to beat Oklahoma for the second time this season, which is why Matt Campbell’s team ended the year at 8-3 before their Fiesta Bowl date with the Pac-12 champion Oregon Ducks.

Though that may be true, Iowa State asserted their dominance in that game. They completely shut down the Ducks offense, allowing just 312 total yards and forcing Oregon into four turnovers on the day. That’s a positive sign for the Cyclones moving forward as a good defense in the Big 12 could be tremendously helpful to their plight.

But the heart of Iowa State moving forward will be the return of consistent playmakers on offense. Quarterback Brock Purdy has not become the superstar that some thought he could be after his freshman season but he’s a good egg that will return in 2021. More importantly, running back Breece Hall will be back to shoulder the load on that side of the ball.

Assuming that Campbell isn’t lured away by a more high-profile job, Iowa State has continuously been taking steps forward. After flirting with the Big 12 title this year, the Cyclones should be in a prime position to replicate that effort and perhaps take home the hardware in 2021.