Iowa State football returns to Jack Trice Stadium this weekend for a Halloween matchup against No. 24 Oklahoma State. 

The Cyclones are coming off a tough 39-3 loss to No. 22 Arizona, dropping to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play. With five games remaining in the season, Iowa State needs to find a way to pick up the pace and win to turn this season around. 

We'll have you covered with plenty of pregame coverage throughout the week on IowaStateRoundtable.com, but for now, here are our three and a half early thoughts on home matchup. 

After this past weekend, it's clear that the Cyclones need to find more consistency on offense. Iowa State has scored 181 points this season, with a few high scoring performances boosting its overall production. However, the offense has struggled to maintain that momentum against tougher competition. With a mixed slate of opponents ahead, the Cyclones will need to find ways to put more points on the board if they hope to get their season back on track. 

Head coach Jimmy Rogers benched Jaylen Raynor in the second half against Arizona in favor for Connor Moberly, hoping to spark some offensive momentum. While it wasn't the answer for last Saturday's matchup, it could be an option moving forward if Rogers decides to stick with Moberly. The Cyclones need to find an offensive rhythm, and determining who can best lead the offense is key to get the team together.

The Cyclones will also need to establish a strong running game against Oklahoma State if it hopes to remain in contention for a successful postseason run. There is no reason that the Cyclones can't get the game started off on a good foot and show fans they can respond to adversity. Now, they need to turn that opportunity into a more complete performance on Saturday.

Oklahoma State ran through Colorado 57-24 last weekend, continuing to prove itself as an offensive force in the Big 12. The Cowboys enter this matchup at 5-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play, already surpassing their win totals from the 2024 and 2025 seasons, when they combined to go winless.

Oklahoma State is averaging 40 points and 529.1 yards of total offense per game this season. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 2,387 yards and 21 touchdowns, making him a key player for the Cyclones' defense to contain.

Mestemaker has continued to find success through the air, distributing the ball among his receivers. Wyatt Young leads the Cowboys with 639 receiving yards and six touchdowns, making him a key target for Iowa State's to watch. The Cyclones will need to limit Young's opportunities downfield while preventing Mestemaker from finding other options in the passing game.

If they focus too heavily on stopping the run, Mestemaker could exploit openings in the passing game. If they prioritize coverage downfield, Oklahoma State could find room to establish its ground attack. Iowa State will need to stay disciplined on both fronts to keep the Cowboys from controlling the game. Otherwise, this could become another long afternoon for the Cyclones' defense. 

Iowa State has not played in front of its home crowd since defeating West Virginia, 45-42, on Oct. 3. After back-to-back road losses to BYU and Arizona, the Cyclones return to Ames for a Saturday night matchup.

Iowa State has had success against Oklahoma State over the last two seasons, but this year's teams look different. Both programs have new head coaches, and Oklahoma State has found considerable offensive success under Eric Morris.

There is no question that playing at home can help any team feel better. This is Iowa State's chance to reset in front of its own fans and feed off their energy. The challenge will be making it count. The Cyclones need to come out with confidence, set the tone early and put pressure on the Cowboys to keep the energy inside Jack Trice Stadium alive.

It's Halloween weekend, and it's shaping to be an exciting one for football fans. Between the night kickoff, the home-field advantage and both teams being under new coaching staff, Saturday night should be an eventful one in Ames. 

The question is whether Iowa State's defense can respond quickly and find a way to slow down Oklahoma State's offense. A win would add much needed momentum for the Cyclones heading into November, while a loss would make the path to bowl eligibility even more challenging. 

Iowa State has the opportunity to change the conversation surrounding its lackluster season. Now, the Cyclones need to take advantage of it.