The SEC and Big Ten stand as the titans of college football, their dominance reflected in consistent College Football Playoff appearances. These conferences boast deep rosters, top-tier coaching, and passionate fanbases, creating a high level of competition that regularly produces national championship contenders.

In contrast, the Big 12, while still a competitive conference, has struggled to maintain the same level of national prominence. Despite producing talented teams and exciting matchups, the Big 12's playoff appearances have been less frequent compared to the SEC and Big Ten. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as recruiting power, overall depth, and recent playoff success, which contribute to the perception of the SEC and Big Ten as the premier conferences in college football.

With the expansion of the College Football Playoff, the Big 12 and other conferences will have more opportunities to compete for a national championship. However, the SEC and Big Ten's established dominance and consistent success will make it challenging for other conferences to consistently break through and claim a spot at the top of the college football world.

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Curtis Jones has been a key contributor to the Iowa State men's basketball team's success this season, particularly due to his potent offensive arsenal. A significant factor in his impact is his exceptional three-point shooting. Jones consistently knocks down shots from beyond the arc, spacing the floor and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. This ability to stretch the defense makes him a difficult matchup for opposing teams and a crucial element in Iowa State's offensive strategy.

Beyond his three-point shooting, Jones has demonstrated a well-rounded game. He's a capable scorer from all levels, a solid rebounder for his position, and a strong defender. His leadership and experience have been invaluable to a young Iowa State team, providing guidance to younger players and anchoring the team's backcourt.

Jones' contributions have been crucial to the team's success and position them well for a strong finish to the season.

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The Arizona Wildcats pulled off a stunning upset over the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones on January 27th, 2025, winning 86-75 in overtime. This wasn't just a victory; it was a statement. The Wildcats, facing a top-ranked opponent on their home court, displayed incredible resilience and poise. Caleb Love's buzzer-beating half-court shot in regulation sent shockwaves through the arena and ignited an Arizona surge in overtime. This victory has significant implications for both teams. For Arizona, it's a massive boost of confidence. It proves they can compete with the best in the nation and potentially shake up the conference standings. This win could be a turning point in their season, propelling them towards a higher seed in the upcoming conference tournament and ultimately, a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. For Iowa State, this loss raises intriguing questions. How will they respond to this setback? Will it serve as a valuable learning experience, pushing them to refine their execution and elevate their play in crucial moments? This defeat could be a catalyst for growth, forcing them to identify areas for improvement and ultimately strengthen their resolve for the remainder of the season and beyond.

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The 2024 Iowa State Cyclones football season was a historic one, filled with program firsts and exciting victories. Coach Matt Campbell led the team to an 11-3 record, their best ever, including a thrilling Pop-Tarts Bowl win against Miami.

The Cyclones achieved their first ever 10-win regular season, propelled by a strong offense that averaged over 30 points per game. They also made their first appearance in the Big 12 Championship game since 2020. While they fell short against Arizona State, the season was a testament to the program's growth under Campbell.

Looking ahead to next year, expectations will be high. Quarterback Rocco Becht returns, providing stability on offense. However, the Cyclones will need to replace key players on both sides of the ball. The schedule features tough Big 12 matchups, and repeating this year's success will be a challenge.

Despite the challenges, the foundation is in place for Iowa State to remain competitive. Campbell has built a consistent winner in Ames, and with continued development and strong recruiting, the Cyclones should be a factor in the Big 12 race once again.

After a historic 2024 season, the Iowa State Cyclones enter 2025 with high expectations. Coach Matt Campbell, fresh off an extension, aims to build on the program's recent success. While key players will need to be replaced, the team returns promising quarterback Rocco Becht, who will be a central figure in the offense.

The season kicks off with a unique Week 0 matchup against Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, adding international flavor to the rivalry. The Cyclones will navigate a challenging Big 12 conference schedule, including a rematch against Arizona State, who they faced in the league title game.

With a blend of returning talent and new additions, Iowa State looks to maintain its competitive edge. The 2025 season presents an opportunity to solidify the program's status as a consistent contender in the Big 12 and beyond.

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Could Notre Dame shake up the Big 12 landscape? As rumors swirl about the Fighting Irish potentially joining the Big 12, this episode dives into the implications for college football. With Notre Dame's unique position and financial independence, what could this mean for the conference dynamics?

Explore the pros and cons of independence in college football, with insights from Jake on BYU's experience. The hosts also tackle the evolving world of NIL deals and transfer portal rules, highlighting a controversial transfer from Wisconsin to Miami. Plus, enjoy light-hearted stories of sports injuries, including Spencer's baseball mishap and Cody's banister surfing incident.

Join the conversation as the hosts speculate on Deion Sanders' future at Colorado and the potential impact on the program. Don't miss out on these engaging discussions and insider perspectives—tune in for a fresh take on college football's hottest topics!

In a decisive Big 12 victory, the Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball team triumphed over the BYU Cougars on January 22nd, 2025, with a final score of 82-59. The game, played at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, saw the Cyclones overcome an early deficit to dominate the remainder of the contest. BYU initially came out strong, building an 11-point lead in the first quarter. However, Iowa State responded with a powerful second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 26-15 to take control of the game. This momentum shift was fueled by exceptional performances from key players, including Addy Brown, whose second-quarter heroics were instrumental in propelling the Cyclones back into the lead. The second half saw Iowa State further extend their advantage, with strong offensive plays and stifling defense. The Cyclones' dominance culminated in a comfortable 23-point victory, showcasing their strength within the Big 12 conference. This win improved Iowa State's record to 14-7 overall and 5-3 in conference play, while BYU fell to 10-8 and 1-6 in the Big 12.

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