What Is 2017 Iowa State Cyclones football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Iowa State Cyclones football team finished with a 8–5 record, including a victory in the 2017 Liberty Bowl over Memphis with a final score of 21–20. Led by head coach Matt Campbell, it was the team's most successful season in over a decade.

Key Facts

Finished the season with an 8–5 overall record and 5–4 in Big 12 Conference play
Defeated Memphis 21–20 in the 2017 Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017
Head coach Matt Campbell was in his second season at Iowa State
Quarterback Kyle Kempt led the team with 1,692 passing yards and 14 touchdowns
Achieved a #10 national ranking in the AP Poll in November, the highest since 1976

Overview

The 2017 Iowa State Cyclones football season marked a turning point for the program under head coach Matt Campbell. After years of struggling to reach .500 records, the Cyclones posted an 8–5 overall record and a 5–4 mark in the Big 12 Conference, their best performance since 2005. The season culminated in a dramatic victory in the Liberty Bowl, signaling a resurgence in Ames.

One of the most memorable moments came in October when Iowa State upset then-#3 ranked Oklahoma 42–41 in Norman, ending the Sooners’ 39-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents. The win not only energized the fanbase but also propelled the Cyclones into the national rankings for the first time in over 40 years.

Record: The team finished 8–5 overall and 5–4 in Big 12 play, a significant improvement from the previous season’s 3–9 record.
Bowl Game: Iowa State defeated the Memphis Tigers 21–20 in the Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017, securing their first bowl win since 2009.
Rankings: The Cyclones reached as high as #10 in the AP Poll in November 2017, their highest ranking since 1976.
Head Coach:Matt Campbell, in his second year, led the team to its first winning season since 2007 and earned praise for revitalizing the program.
Key Player: Quarterback Kyle Kempt threw for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns, stepping in after starter Jacob Park’s midseason departure.

How It Works

The success of the 2017 Iowa State Cyclones can be attributed to a combination of strategic coaching, player development, and key performances during critical games. Campbell’s culture shift emphasized discipline, effort, and resilience, which translated into on-field results.

Defensive Discipline: The Cyclones' defense ranked 34th nationally in points allowed, giving up just 22.5 points per game, a major improvement from prior years.
Special Teams:Tommy Siegert converted 19 of 24 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games, including the Liberty Bowl.
Running Game:David Montgomery rushed for 1,145 yards and 13 touchdowns, becoming the first Iowa State running back to surpass 1,000 yards since 2005.
Offensive Scheme: The team used a spread option offense that emphasized tempo and ball control, helping sustain drives and limit opponents’ possessions.
Turnover Margin: Iowa State finished with a +5 turnover margin, forcing 18 turnovers while committing only 13, a key factor in close wins.
Home Field Advantage: The Cyclones went 6–1 at Jack Trice Stadium, including wins over Oklahoma and West Virginia, energizing the home crowd.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 season compared to recent years in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
2017	8–5	5–4	W, Liberty Bowl (21–20)	#10 (peak)
2016	3–9	2–7	No bowl	NR
2015	3–9	2–7	No bowl	NR
2014	2–10	1–8	No bowl	NR
2007	6–7	3–5	L, Insight Bowl	NR

The table illustrates a dramatic turnaround from 2016 to 2017. After three consecutive losing seasons, the Cyclones nearly doubled their win total and achieved national recognition. The 2017 season was not just a statistical improvement but a cultural shift that laid the foundation for future success in the Big 12.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a watershed moment for Iowa State football, proving the program could compete at a high level in a Power Five conference. It demonstrated the impact of consistent coaching, player development, and strategic recruiting under Matt Campbell.

Program Momentum: The success helped Iowa State secure higher recruiting rankings in subsequent years, attracting more four-star prospects.
Fan Engagement: Attendance at Jack Trice Stadium increased, with average crowds exceeding 58,000 in 2017.
Media Exposure: The upset over Oklahoma was featured on ESPN’s College GameDay, boosting national visibility.
Player Development: David Montgomery and others leveraged strong performances into NFL Draft selections in later years.
Conference Perception: The Cyclones challenged the Big 12 hierarchy, showing teams beyond Oklahoma and Texas could contend.
Sustained Success: Iowa State followed up with winning seasons in 2018 and 2019, building on the 2017 foundation.

The 2017 Iowa State Cyclones didn’t just win games—they changed the narrative. From underdogs to contenders, the season remains a benchmark for what’s possible with leadership and perseverance in college football.