4. Iowa State (10-0)
Before the season began there were probably mixed opinions on what Iowa State could accomplish this season. They had lost a few important scorers from last season, but T. J. Otzelberger’s approach has never been about big numbers or individual performances and this crew certainly is practicing what he preaches. That recent win at Purdue will continue to age magnificently this season but it wasn’t their last effort against the Big Ten.
We saw the Cyclones in action again on Thursday night for their in-state rivalry against Iowa. Despite digging an early hole and trailing by 8 at the half, Iowa State clawed back for a 66-62 win over the Hawkeyes. Joshua Jefferson’s latest standout effort featured 24 points and 5 rebounds while Tamin Lipsey added 14 points against their rivals.
Perfect through ten games and possessing multiple notable wins, Iowa State is achieving much more than many expected in the preseason. Those kinds of expectations are already a thing of the past as these Cyclones look to build on this hot start and impressive offense, even after the offense didn’t exactly do the heavy lifting against Iowa. The last three nonconference games for the Cyclones should all be laughers at home, starting with Eastern Illinois on Sunday.