Inside Iowa State’s Run Game Versus Kansas State

Iowa State opened the season with a statement win overseas, beating Big 12 foe Kansas State in Ireland. Sloppy weather and a slick field didn’t slow down the Cyclones’ offense. Instead, they leaned into a creative run game and an effective RPO package to keep the Wildcats off balance. This article dives into how Iowa State built their ground game with formational variety, motion, and option mechanics to attack a sound K-State defense.

G/Y/Y Counter

Iowa State opens with a Bunch Squeeze set and trades it across the formation to create an unbalanced Bunch Squeeze look to the boundary, plus a solo receiver. From there, they run G/Y/Y Counter back to the field. Pre-snap, Iowa State has the numbers. But post-snap, both tight ends work to the interior linebacker instead of one climbing to the safety. The play still picks up three yards, but if they get bodies on the right levels, it’s got the potential to break big.

14 Personnel Speed Option

Iowa State lines up in a 14 personnel look with two in-line tight ends and two more at wing. That’s a whole lot of beef just to run speed option weak. But it works. The tailback initially aligns strong, then works back weak with the quarterback. That subtle detail forces the defense to re-calculate the numbers late and creates a leverage advantage on the perimeter. The play moves the chains, but it could have been more. If the quarterback pitches off his initial cut, there’s a real shot this one goes the distance. And yes, I was yelling “pitch it!” at my TV like a lunatic too.

A Gap Power

This one’s a throwback. Straight A gap power, and it’s beautiful on the end zone shot. The backside guard is patient and stays square, picking up the play side linebacker who’s trying to run through. Meanwhile, the running back presses the point and makes a clean cut off the play side guard’s block for a chunk gain. It’s old school, but it still works.