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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 3h

Gilbert is apparently out indefinitely. Smith is not 100 percent but was at practice, Campbell said.

Iowa State's poised for "physical" challenge vs. No. 11 BYU Saturday at home - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 5h

Iowa State's poised for a "physical" challenge vs. No. 11 BYU on Saturday in Ames.

Here's my report from today's media availability — along with news that Kyle Konrardy is "trending up."

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/iowa...

Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell looks on against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn ...

KNOW THE FOE: 5 BYU players to watch on Saturday against Iowa State - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 1d

No. 11 BYU's coming to Ames. It's Homecoming at ISU. And the Cyclones are 2.5-point favorites, per Vegas oddsmakers (as of Monday), to hand the Cougars their first loss of the season.

So here's my latest "KNOW THE FOE" piece:

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

Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs for a touchdown against Utah Utes defensive tackle Pupu Sepulona (45), cornerback Elijah Davis (9) and linebacker Levan...

Iowa State's "identity" kicked in too late in 71-58 exhibition loss at Creighton - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 3d

Iowa State's "identity" kicked in too late in Friday's 71-58 exhibition loss at Creighton.

Here’s my story about a game that Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott said “means absolutely nothing” — & he’s right. The two teams will meet for real next month in Vegas.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/iowa...

ISU forward Milan Momcilovic takes a shot in the Cyclones’ 71-58 loss to Creighton in an exhibition game in Omaha. Photo by Rob Gray. OMAHA, Neb. — Iowa State fell victim to a 23-0 run in the first ...

Addy Brown's fiery competitiveness fuels ISU's 14th-ranked women's basketball team - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 5d

How much does ISU standout Addy Brown hate losing?

“She doesn’t like to lose at Uno, at Wii Sports, at basketball, so she’s definitely a competitor day in and day out," star teammate Audi Crooks said.

Here’s my story from media day.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/addy...

Iowa State forward Addy Brown (24) celebrates a basket scored by center Audi Crooks during the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament between Michigan and Iowa State at Purcell Pavilion...

ISU G Nate Heise's focusing on "fun" in advance of Friday's exhibition at Creighton - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 5d

ISU guard Nate Heise's been on "both ends of the spectrum" when it comes to finding fun in the grind of a sixth and final season.

He's fully locked in now for Friday's exhibition game at Creighton and beyond.

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

Iowa State Men’s Basketball player Nate Heise stands for a photo during media day at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Oct. 8, 2025. © Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images AMES...

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 9d

Thanks, my man! Better days ahead (I think).

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 9d

Correct!

Mistakes abound again for No. 22 ISU in second straight loss Saturday at Colorado - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 10d

"You just can’t keep shooting yourself in the foot, and we have." — ISU HC Matt Campbell on the Cyclone Radio Network after Saturday's 24-17 loss at Colorado.

Here’s my radio recap of a second straight mistake-filled loss for the Cyclones.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/mist...

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell (center) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron...

No. 22 ISU goes "back to work" to get back on track Saturday at Colorado - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 12d

No. 22 Iowa State went "back to work" to get back on track Saturday at Colorado.

And, of course, that often means doubling down on work in the trenches.

Here's my game preview:

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

Oct 4, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Abu Sama (24) carries the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats safety Christian Harrison (5) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Man...

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 13d

Thanks so much, Brian! Indeed we do and he does.

ISU star reciever Chase Sowell's many "crossroads" moments come full circle at Colorado - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 13d

"I could have given up here, I could have given up there, but I didn’t. I just kept going the course and it worked out fine for me." — ISU transfer WR Chase Sowell.

Saturday, the budding star will face his former team, Colorado.

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

By Rob Gray, correspondent AMES — The term “crossroads” is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences.” And Iowa St...

"Let it fly" is the operative phrase for ISU star forward Milan Momcilovic this season - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 13d

The "hunt" for shots for ISU star forward Milan Momcilovic is getting more difficult as he climbs opponents' scouting reports.

It's also as important as ever for the Cyclones, who need Momcilovic to take that “next step” this season.

cyclonefanatic.com/2025/10/let-...

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) shoots against Mississippi Rebels guard Dre Davis (14) during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournam...

No. 22 Iowa State taps its inner critic in the wake of its first loss of the season - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 14d

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...

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...

KNOW THE FOE: 5 Colorado players to watch against No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 15d

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...

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...

Marginal play in "the margins" dooms No. 14 ISU in 38-30 road loss at Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 17d

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...

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...

ISU QB Rocco Becht "felt like (crap)" after targeting hit, still shined in loss at Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 17d

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-...

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 tight end Ben Brahmer's big play exploits could carry over to Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 19d

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-...

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 ...

No.14 ISU's "sneak" prowess will be tested Saturday at Cincinnati - Cyclone Fanatic

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 20d

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...

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...

Down its top two corners, No. 14 ISU prepares to face Cincinnati's high-octane offense - Cyclone Fanatic

Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 21d

Gorgeous sunset in Ankeny tonight

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 21d

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...

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...

PHOTO GALLERY: Iowa State vs. Arizona

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Reposted by Rob Gray

Cyclonefanatic.com @cyclonefanatic.bsky.social · 21d

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

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...

KNOW THE FOE: 5 Cincinnati players to watch on Saturday against No. 14 Iowa State

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 22d

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...

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...

ISU star CB Jeremiah Cooper shifts to coach mode after suffering season-ending injury

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Rob Gray @robwgray.bsky.social · 23d

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-...

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 ...