No. 18 Iowa State defeated Houston 20-0 on Saturday to improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2000.

Here are some insights from the game, in a nutshell.

Rocco Becht had a few misfires early on.
The sophomore quarterback was 4/9 in the first quarter and narrowly missed a touchdown ball to tight end Tripp Walsh on Iowa State’s first drive of the game.

The slow start extended throughout the offense and Iowa State took a narrow 3-0 lead into halftime.

If they get off to another slow start against Baylor, it might be time to worry, but ultimately the Cyclones overtake Houston with a 4-0 record – a big, big win.

Three running backs played significant snaps for Iowa State in this game.
In the first seven games, each trio took handoffs on a drive that went down the field.

Carson Hansen lived up to its “regained” label and both Abu Sama & Jaylon Jackson he delivered big runs that helped close this game. It’s obvious that the Cyclones are going with three running backs for now, and it’s working.

Iowa State’s already thin group of linebackers got thinner on Saturday. John Klosterman suffered an apparent leg injury in the first quarter and never returned to the game. He had supported Jacob Ellis at the Sam linebacker position.

Jayden Higgins caught a touchdown reception for a record-tying sixth straight game.
At times during Saturday’s game, Higgins felt like a cheat code for Iowa State’s offense. The talented wideout looked as good as he has all year, catching eight passes for 79 yards. Iowa State fans are watching an NFL talent at No. 9

Malik Verdon iced the game with this forced fumble.
Say what you will, Houston couldn’t have scored in this game. As bad as Iowa State’s offense looked in the first half, the defense shined in certain instances. Not long before the fumble, Houston opted to punt while facing a 4th-and-11 at the Iowa State 39. Even when the Cougars were closest to the end zone, Jontez Williams intercepted a pass. Give Verdon a play ball — that pushed the Cyclones over the edge.

Ultimately, Matt Campbell becomes the winningest coach in Iowa State history.

With Campbell’s 57th win, the Cyclones are 4-0 for the first time since he took over as head coach. In his ninth season, Campbell and Co. continue to achieve success and currently have a great thing going in Ames. For this group, bring Baylor.