Winning is hard. Football engages so many elements that the search for the winning edge is very difficult to find. Player talent, operating under pressure, innovative schemes, play execution, leadership, fundamental excellence, and mistakes are a less than exhaustive list of factors that go in to winning. It is much easier to pick out why a team lost than it is to identify how that team can begin to win. Culture, process, attitude, and execution are used most commonly in reference to Iowa State football and they all play a part.
For two weeks this team has won a three and a half quarter game, but has been unable to put together a series of plays that can clinch the final victory.