The Cyclones continue to win, and they've been able to emerge victorious in a variety of ways – be it in comfortable one-sided fashion or by pulling off a last-minute comeback like they did Saturday night to beat UCF 38-35.

Throughout the season, the Cyclones' leadership and resilience remained a constant, regardless of the ups and downs. They managed to take the game away from the visiting Knights and overcome a 14-point deficit, their largest ever. The win came despite giving up a season-high 414 yards, including 354 on the ground.

“It's really about great leadership in the locker room, we coaches can't play the game,” coach Matt Campbell said of his team's ability to overcome the deficit and beat UCF. “You need incredible leadership and the best players have to stand for something that is strong. When that happens, I think you can weather the storms that come with 60 minutes of football. That's one thing I've talked about all season long is that we have incredible leadership here, as powerful as any leadership from the top I've ever seen. I still believe that everything rises and falls with leadership, I truly believe that.”

More: Hines: Iowa State football continues with Rocco Becht at the helm of the Cyclones

Iowa State football's Matt Campbell on taking the lead in UCF's comeback win

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell discussed the importance of leadership in the Cyclones' comeback victory and 7-0 start.

Iowa State trailed most of the way but never panicked, even though the Knights had success on the ground and had two game-winning interceptions. One pick was returned for a touchdown and the other set up another UCF touchdown scoring play.

“The fight on this team is huge, all season long the fight is what we built this team on,” senior Jaylin Noel said. “We are desperate. We definitely want to win. It's been 133 years since anything was won here and we want it. As long as we are desperate, we will continue to succeed. We have to persevere.” If we rely on each other, then we will be fine.

Iowa State doesn't define its leadership entirely by statistical results. What these key players can bring to the field and in the huddle is also important.

Noel, Rocco Becht, Jaydin Higgins, JR Singleton, Beau Freyler and Jontez Williams are some of the prominent names, and it helps if they provide highlight plays. But their impact can be contagious, prompting others to get involved.

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell on the winning drive against UCF

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell shares his thoughts on his team's game-winning drive and comeback win against UCF.

“If the leaders can be A players and have A games, then the whole thing will fall into place,” said Noel, who had a game-high 153 receiving yards. “When in moments like the end of the game the guys get stronger and the leaders can step up, it just gives the team confidence. Games like these give us the energy to fight and learn from these things. I've been here since 2021.” “Leadership is the most important thing for this team. If leaders can continue to lead this team, we will go a long way.”

The UCF tandem of Jacurri Brown and RJ Harvey was a dynamic one-two punch on the floor. She accounted for four of five touchdowns and 350 of her team's 354 rushing yards.

Midway through the game, Iowa State stalled offensively. Of the final five drives through the end of the second quarter, the team made four three-pointers and allowed a pick-six.

The Cyclones also scored a three-pointer early in the second half before pulling away and coming back.

“Mental toughness is my superpower,” quarterback Rocco Becht said of his ability to recover from two turnovers and drive the comeback. “…The ball is in my hands every single play. Whether it's a bad play or a good play, it starts with me. If I'm angry about a play or I'm not balanced or calm, it will affect the team and they will feel the same way, so I always have to stay positive, balanced and calm.

“I learned a lot this past year just by continuing to make sure this team stays positive. You can see it in their eyes, they have no doubt that we’re not going to win every game and that’s what I like to see.”

Becht helped Iowa State score points on four of its last six drives to put the game away, making some fourth-down conversions and crucial third-down scrambles to keep drives alive. He had two touchdowns through quarterback sneaks, including the game-winner with 30 seconds left. He also threw a touchdown pass to Higgins in the second half and Kyle Konrardy scored a field goal in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, the Cyclones got stops when they needed down the stretch to keep UCF within reach. Freyler and Williams each had an interception, with Williams' pick in the final seconds clinching the win.

“We know we support each other,” Williams said. “The offense turned its back on us, the defense turned its back on the offense, so we're going to work hand in hand to come back and fight. Pressure makes diamonds, and these guys, these guys are great.”

The Cyclones now head into a bye week that will help heal a few injuries before returning to action on Saturday, November 2nd at home against Texas Tech.

They are brimming with self-confidence and are ready for all the challenges that lie ahead of them with the challenging November planning.

“What we have here is special and what sets us apart when we’re down,” Singleton said. “When you play against us, you have to play against us until the last moment and I think a lot of people know that.”

Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.