Iowa State: 2026 Week 11 recap

Iowa State sits at 4–4 after a thrilling 51–49 home win over Oklahoma State in Week 9, but GIE's rating hasn't budged—still holding at −1.2 and ranked 76th nationally. The model expects the Cyclones to win 5.8 games this season, suggesting the remaining slate leans difficult. Red-zone efficiency has been a genuine problem: a 15% touchdown rate there reveals Iowa State's inability to capitalize when it matters most. The offense is also converting just 37% of third downs, which compounds field position struggles. Up next is a road trip to Baylor in Week 10—a Big 12 opponent Iowa State needs to have a realistic shot at reaching bowl eligibility.