The aftermath of Iowa State’s 45–19 loss to Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship, head coach Matt Campbell shared his thoughts on a game that slipped away. While visibly disappointed, Campbell struck a tone of resilience and gratitude, highlighting his team’s effort and praising their formidable opponent.
“Arizona State, you know, I thought their kids obviously executed with high precision today,” Campbell began. “Hats off to them. They’ve got great players, and they’re really well-coached.”
Pride in a Resilient Season
Despite Arizona State’s dominant performance, Campbell expressed pride in his team’s perseverance throughout the season.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our kids—who they are, what they’ve withstood through the season,” he said. “Our ability to not flinch and keep playing today speaks volumes, but obviously, you can’t make some of the mistakes we made against a team of this caliber.”
The Costly Third Quarter
The pivotal moment of the game occurred early in the second half, as Iowa State committed turnovers on three consecutive possessions. These miscues allowed Arizona State to extend their lead and maintain control.
“It doesn’t get much more deflating than that,” Campbell admitted. “We’ve prided ourselves on taking care of the football and creating takeaways. Coming into the game, we were plus-nine in turnover margin, and they were plus-eleven. That was going to be the key. Our inability to take care of the football in the third quarter was paralyzing.”
The turnovers provided Arizona State’s potent offense with favorable field position, leaving Iowa State with little chance to mount a comeback.
Senior Leadership Shines Through
Campbell’s admiration for his senior class, particularly quarterback Bo Frake, was a recurring theme during the press conference.
“What Bo and this senior class have done for Iowa State football is nothing short of exceptional,” Campbell said. “It’s been player-led and player-driven. When you’re a warrior like that, moments like these hurt, but the great thing is, we get another football game. What this group has already done is historic, and nobody can take that away from them.”
Frake demonstrated his resilience when he returned to the game after a hard hit in the second half to lead a late drive. “Rocco’s a tough customer,” Campbell said. “He demanded to get back into the game after being cleared, and I’m proud of him.”
Missed Tackles and Missed Opportunities
Missed tackles were another key factor in Iowa State’s loss, as they allowed Arizona State to capitalize on extended drives. Campbell took responsibility for the defensive lapses.
“Fundamentally, we just weren’t where we needed to be at times,” he admitted. “That’s on me to ensure we’re better in those moments. We’ll evaluate and work to get it right moving forward.”
Regrouping for the Bowl Game
Looking ahead, Campbell emphasized the importance of preparing for the team’s upcoming bowl game, which will provide an opportunity to close the season on a positive note.
“We’re not transactional; we’re transformational,” Campbell said. “Whatever opportunity we have, we’ll be ready to play. This senior class has led us through challenges over the past two years, and it’s an honor to coach them. We’re going to do everything we can to send them out the right way.”
A Promising Future for Iowa State Football
While the loss in the Big 12 Championship was difficult, Campbell remains optimistic about the program’s future. He highlighted the invaluable experience gained by younger players this season.
“If you’re a young player in our program, you just witnessed leadership for the ages,” Campbell said. “The resilience, toughness, and accountability this group has shown will leave a lasting impact. These are the kinds of experiences that build a program, and I’m confident this team will grow stronger because of them.”
As the press conference concluded, Campbell reflected on the loss as a source of motivation.
“Losses like this will haunt you,” he said. “But they’re also what drive you to come back stronger.”