Memphis, Tennessee — In four years, Paul Rhoads has taken Iowa State to three bowl games. With this 31-17 loss to Tulsa in the Liberty Bowl, he also has three seasons with losing records.
Despite the 6-7 record, this is the game that “doesn’t count”. The first game against Tulsa in this three-game series was crucial for bowl eligibility, and so will the last. A bowl loss is a blemish to be sure, but given the current standards it’s still better than the alternative.
In both of ISU’s Liberty Bowl losses, the winning team scored 31 points.
The cover-your-eyes side note: Steele Jantz’s last five appearances on the field were as follows: Interception, 1-yard sack, 8-yard completed pass, incomplete pass, rush-fumble.
It could have been worse. It could have been raining the second half instead of just most of the first.
If only they gave points for attendance.