As the Iowa State football season enters its final weeks, the team's offensive strategy requires a critical adjustment: a renewed commitment to the ground game. While quarterback Rocco Becht has shown flashes of brilliance during the team's winning streaks, his recent stretch, marked by inconsistency and a concerning turnover rate—including seven interceptions in recent games—suggests the passing attack is currently a high-risk venture. To secure wins and minimize self-inflicted damage, the Cyclones must pivot to the proven stability offered by their running backs, Carson Hansen and Abu Sama.

Both Hansen and Sama have demonstrated far greater consistency than the passing game. Hansen has been a reliable yard-churner, while Sama has provided explosive playmaking ability. By increasing their carry volume, Iowa State can better control the clock, shorten games, and, most importantly, protect the football. A robust running attack mitigates the turnover risk that has plagued the team recently, forcing opponents to stack the box and, paradoxically, setting up more favorable downfield opportunities for Becht when he does pass. Prioritizing the run game is not a retreat, but a strategic move toward maximizing offensive reliability during a crucial stretch.

 

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