ISU QB Rocco Becht's running ability is key to the No. 1 team's title ambitions. 9 Cyclones Big 12 – CycloneFanatic.com

AMES – He galloped for a handful of key this-down conversions. And with stuttering steps and stiff arms, he made his way to a few fourth-down conversions. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht showed the ability to run the football at a level that probably surprised many Cyclones fans – and every carry played a big role in Saturday's tense but tense 38-35 win over UCF at sold-out Jack Trice Stadium.

“We had a couple of runs designed by QBs, but not all of those rushing yards were designed by QBs,” said Becht, who ran for a career-high 97 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown to send ISU to the seventh :0, 4:0). 0 Big 12) is still tied at the top of the league in the second game week. “So I just took it easy (loose) and played the game and played it like backyard football. Ultimately it helped us on third and fourth downs, and as long as it helps the team and keeps the ball moving, I’ll keep doing it.”

Becht's quick-cut ability – whether planned or improvised – adds a new and necessary wrinkle to the Cyclones' offense, which totaled a season-high 530 yards. ISU also overcame a number of mistakes, including two costly interceptions by Becht that eventually led to touchdowns. The Cyclones' defense allowed 354 rushing yards – the most in a win since at least 1996. So these are exciting times for ISU, which danced on the edge of defeat all night before making all the critical plays it needed in the final four minutes.

“Our seniors have strong stories,” Cyclones head coach said Matt Campbellwhose team is 7-0 for the second time in program history – and the first time in 86 years. “And their stories are full of determination, toughness and character. When this group has an impressive story to tell and demands the highest level of excellence in the program, then you get what you saw tonight, and that is a truly gritty football team.”

It's also a struggling football team, so ISU's second and final bye week of the season comes at a good time. Outstanding sophomore tight end Ben Brahmer Left the game after suffering a lower-body injury and was on the sideline on crutches during the second half. The Cyclones have played 11 different linebackers due to injuries, and several other key players have dealt with minor physical ailments that have limited their productivity.

“I think a lot of (Brahmer's situation) was precautionary, and I think hopefully we dodged a bullet,” Campbell said. “Obviously Ben is vital to our football team and a big part of it, but I think some of these guys played really well tonight, but I don't think it's serious.”

So what's serious? ISU's continued Big 12 title hopes. The Cyclones are tied with BYU at 0-4 in league play and will face Texas Tech (5-2, 3-1) on the bye week. The Red Raiders fell for the first time in conference play against Baylor on Saturday.

“If we want to be a great team at the end of the season, we have to get better,” Campbell said. “You can’t give up running 300 yards. You can't throw two pick sixes. Things like that aren't what champions do, but the ability to respond to them is great. Now come back, practice and keep improving – it will be fun to watch this team continue to grow.”

That's true for everyone on ISU's roster, and it's especially true for Becht, who threw the aforementioned two pick-sixes (though one was nullified at the Cyclones' one-yard line). Backyard football can take center stage when a team's trust and belief form a bulwark against adversity. No game is out of reach, but no game is a gift either. This is where the “determination, toughness and character” Campbell spoke of comes into play, and so far it has taken ISU to dizzying heights.

“I think mental toughness is my superpower,” said Becht, who threw for 270 yards in the win. “I think that’s my biggest strength that I have, and that’s just from the repetitions in practice and the way I was raised.”