ISU has some really crazy stats since 2017.
This year ISU is 2-1 vs AP top 25 teams
This year ISU is 1-2 vs non AP ranked teams
In 2017 ISU was 3-1 vs AP top 25 teasm
In 2017 ISU was 5-4 vs non AP top 25 teams
So basically over the last 2 years ISU is better vs the AP top 25 than they are vs non ranked teams.
This screams to me that ISU players and coaches just need to become more consistent. CMC is only in his 3rd year in Ames, and consistency takes time. I think next year ISU gets the consistency thing and could really break out and challenge for the Big12 title. I thought they had a shot this year, but they might have had too slow a September this year (I think that TCU loss is really gonna haunt ISU)
Now, don't get all oversensitive on me here, and actually really think about this next statement. Playing in the Big12 isn't that tough if you are a good team. By that I mean the Big12 will usually have 3 or 4 top 25 type ranked teams. So if you are one of those teams, you in essence will only face 2 or 3 top 25 type teams a year in the Big12. If ISU can get more consistent and can win 8 or 9 out of 9 games vs non top 25 teams, and then go 2-1 or 1-2 vs the remaining 3 top 25 type teams in the Big12 then you are in rarified air.
I really think ISU can get there next year. I think the key is the consistency vs the more average teams, the teams you are favored by 3 to 10 points to beat. Gotta win all those games or only drop one of them. That is what makes good/decent teams (8 wins) into top 15 type teams (10 wins), beating those you should 9 out of 9 or 8 out of 9 times.
Lol a fan of a Big Ten West team saying playing in the Big 12 isn't tough