Rob Gray

No. 22 Iowa State taps its inner critic in the wake of its first loss of the season - Cyclone Fanatic Oct 4, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (9) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandator...

ISU OC Taylor Mouser shares at least one trait with his star QB Rocco Becht.

Their each their own worst — or maybe best? — critic.

And that's a valuable quality as the No. 22 Cyclones seek to rebound Saturday at Colorado.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/no-2...

KNOW THE FOE: 5 Colorado players to watch against No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday - Cyclone Fanatic Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) congratulates wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) following a toucddown in second quarter against the Wyoming Cowboy...

Another week, another "KNOW THE FOE" piece

Next up after No. 22 ISU's first loss of the season: The Colorado Buffaloes

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/know...

Marginal play in "the margins" dooms No. 14 ISU in 38-30 road loss at Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Jalen Hunt (90) tackles Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht (3) in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Iowa S...

Marginal play in "the margins" doomed No. 14 Iowa State in Saturday's 38-30 loss at Cincinnati.

My sad trombone game story from Nippert Stadium.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/marg...

ISU QB Rocco Becht "felt like (crap)" after targeting hit, still shined in loss at Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic Oct 4, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first half at Nippert Sta...

ISU QB Rocco Becht “felt like (crap)” after a targeting hit, but still shined in Saturday's loss at Cincinnati.

My sidebar:

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/isu-...

ISU tight end Ben Brahmer's big play exploits could carry over to Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory ...

What can a healthy Ben Brahmer do for No. 14 Iowa State's offense?

Almost everything, apparently.

Here's more in advance of Saturday's big game at Cincinnati.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/isu-...

No.14 ISU's "sneak" prowess will be tested Saturday at Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic Iowa State Cyclones’ quarterback Rocco Becht (3) drives for a touchdown against Arizona during the first quarter in the Big-12 conference showdown on Sept. 27, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iow...

You know who loves QB sneaks at the goal line?

O-lineman. Just ask Iowa State center Jim Bonifas. "That's always great," he said.

And the No. 14 Cyclones will put their "sneak" prowess to the test Saturday at Cincinnati.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/no-1...

Gorgeous sunset in Ankeny tonight

Down its top two corners, No. 14 ISU prepares to face Cincinnati's high-octane offense - Cyclone Fanatic Iowa State Cyclones’ defensive back Jontez Williams (3) celebrates with fans after winning over Arizona in the Big-12 conference showdown on Sept. 27, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. © Nirm...

Now down its top two corners (and two of the best in the Big 12), No. 14 ISU prepares to face high-octane Cincinnati as road underdogs.

Double ouch.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/down...

PHOTO GALLERY: Iowa State vs. Arizona AMES, Iowa – Sometimes all it takes is a different perspective. I climbed all the way to the very last row of the student section at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday and for a moment just stood there, t...

Hey night owls! Relive Saturday's electric white out with @jacquelinecord.bsky.social's latest game day gallery.

Sold out crowd. Under the lights. And the Cyclones are 5-0.

📸: cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/phot...

#BlueCy

KNOW THE FOE: 5 Cincinnati players to watch on Saturday against No. 14 Iowa State Sep 6, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cyrus Allen (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory...

Here's my latest "KNOW THE FOE" piece in advance of No. 14 Iowa State's intriguing road matchup with Cincinnati on Saturday.

Lots of interesting storyline for this one.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/know...

ISU star CB Jeremiah Cooper shifts to coach mode after suffering season-ending injury Iowa State defensive back Jeremiah Cooper stands for a portrait during Iowa State football media day at Jack Trice Stadium on July 25, 2025, in Ames. © Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via ...

For the night owls: Here's a sidebar on tonight's, er last night's, 39-14 win over Arizona.

It focuses on how star CB Jeremiah Cooper may be out for the season, but his value as a Cyclone captain is as great as ever.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/isu-...

Injuries piled up and the stat sheet didn't necesarily reflect it, but No. 14 Iowa State continued to "win the moments" in Saturday's 39-14 rout of Arizona.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/no-1...

No. 14 Iowa State's penchant for winning close games will be tested by Arizona Aug 23, 2025; Dublin, IRELAND; Iowa State players Kooper Ebel and Dylan Barrett celebrate defeating Kansas State during the Aer Lingus Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State at Aviva Stadium. Man...

It's a staggering stat.

No. 14 Iowa State's won nine of its last 10 one-score games entering Saturday's matchup with Arizona — but how and why?

The answer's complicated, but it starts with trust and togetherness.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/no-1...

Thanks!

No. 14 ISU must find creative balance against Arizona's unique defense By Rob Gray, correspondent AMES — Iowa State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser never met a play he didn’t like. At least a little bit. At least initially. At least until it passes or fai...

ISU offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser is known for finding new plays from diverse sources.

He may need to dig into his "library" on Saturday night when facing Arizona's unique defense.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/no-1...

No. 14 ISU will "probably" lean on backup kicker Saturday against Arizona Iowa State Cyclones' punt kicker Kyle Konrardy (97) celebrates with team after a game winning field goal against Iowa during the fourth quarter in the Cy-Hawk football at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 6...

The good news: ISU kicker Kyle Konrardy's injury is not considered long term, per Matt Campbell

The bad news: Konrardy's "probably" out on Saturday vs. Arizona — but the No. 14 Cyclones have overcome injuries many times before.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/no-1...

KNOW THE FOE: Five Arizona players to watch on Saturday against No. 14 ISU Sep 12, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) and teammates celebrate after the touchdown they made is confirmed by replay against the Kansas State Wildcats during t...

First bye week's over and it's back to business for No. 14 Iowa State (4-0, 1-0).

Next up: Arizona (3-0) on Saturday night (6 p.m. white out, ESPN) at Jack Trice Stadium.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/know...

I want to — in the middle of the night — thank everyone for the well wishes regarding my minor hernia surgery. It means a lot to me. Also, I’m as good as I could possibly hope to be less than 16 hours from the end of said surgery. Thanks again. Now maybe I can sleep 😂

This dude ghosted me repeatedly when I was helping my friend Ray Cole with his book, but he’s a laudable figure in these times — and several people I did interview for the book are decidedly not. Kudos to Mr. Dowd.

Heading home. All is good. Wife is my pilot for the day. Thanks for all the well wishes!

Thanks a bunch, Todd!

Hello, friends. I’ll be undergoing minor surgery tomorrow morning to repair an inguinal hernia and would appreciate any positive vibes for rapid healing. Not a big deal, generally speaking, and I plan to hit the next game week eagerly if somewhat gingerly.

My picture-perfect trip to Ireland (Part 1) I took an off-then-beaten path approach to travel with my daughter and it paid off on the Emerald Isle as we got extremely lucky with good weather

Here’s my latest Substack post chronicling the first part of my wonderful trip to Ireland. Please subscribe and share as you’re able. I’ve not been posting frequently enough and that will change.

open.substack.com/pub/robgray1...

Woof. True!

Haha, yes

JUST WIN, BABY: No. 12 ISU enters bye week determined to "get better" on all fronts Iowa State football head coach Matt Campbell high-fives with fans as he enters the field before Iowa State and South Dakota football at Jack Trice Stadium on August 30, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalen...

Imperfection. Injuries. Inconsistent play.

No. 12 Iowa State is 4-0 for the second straight season despite battling all of those things.

And the best must be yet to come as the Cyclones enter their first of three bye weeks.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/just...

Style points are overrated. ISU up to No. 12.

ROAD RECAP: No. 14 ISU survives Arkansas State's upset bid, 24-16 Rocco Becht in action in Saturday's 24-16 at Arkansas State. Photo courtesy Iowa State Athletics Communications. Iowa State played brilliant football for 28 seconds of Saturday’s game at heavy un...

Here's my road recap of No. 14 Iowa State's 24-16 win at Arkansas State.

Cyclones are 4-0 ... but it obviously wasn't pretty (except for that 28-second TD drive at the end of the first half).

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/09/road...

Bang Bang at Fridley Theatres Des Moines - Fleur Cinema & Cafe Retired pugilist Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski is inspired to try his hand at training once he reconnects with his estranged grandson. While their training brings Bang Bang out of the hole he’s been liv...

Hey, everyone: My brother in law Nick Bertelsen (an Iowa State and USC film school alum) produced a film (“Bang Bang”) starring Tim Blake Nelson and it’s showing at 7:40 tonight at The Fleur. I’ll be there and hope you consider going, as well!

www.fridleytheatres.com/movie/FleurC...