AMES — Sophomore Carson Hansen revealed a unique goal he and his fellow running backs share.
Score a bunch of points? Of course. Break as many tackles as possible? What group of players doesn’t want to do that?
But along with that, Hansen said, Iowa State running backs want to be the tightest-knit group on the team. Achieving that is going to be vital to the Cyclones’ success.
Iowa State beat Arkansas State 52-7 Saturday afternoon in Jack Trice Stadium. Cyclone running backs led the offensive push, combining for 194 yards on 40 carries (4.85 yards per carry).
Five ISU running backs carried the ball Saturday. The workload — and triumphs — were shared.
Hansen led the way with 58 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Jaylon Jackson rushed for 53 yards. Sophomore Abu Sama ran for 30 yards. Two players, freshmen Aiden Flora and Dylan Lee, scored their first college touchdowns against the Red Wolves and each contributed more than 25 rushing yards.
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“There’s a lot of guys that ran the football well today,” ISU coach Matt Campbell said. “There’s a lot of competition consistently back there and I think we’re really fortunate those guys push each other.”
On Iowa State’s second drive of the day, Hansen followed a push from his left guard and tackle and cut back inside for a 23-yard gain. His run followed a 28-yard pass from quarterback Rocco Becht, and Hansen was rewarded with a one-yard touchdown rush three plays later.
It was a moment that had been a long time coming. Hansen dealt with a “maintenance” injury that limited him to just 22 carries last season.
Campbell trailed off when talking about Hansen’s productive day, hinting that the performance meant something to him.
“I think what’s fun for me is he was really injured through the most part of last football season, and for him to finally be healthy, I think you’re starting to see a really healthy football player and a really confident football player and we’re really proud of him,” Campbell said. “It’s exciting to watch him grow forward, and I think he’ll be a key piece of our football team if we want to play at the level we want to play.”
After he crossed the goal line, Hansen rose to his feet, flipped the ball to an official and hammered on the helmet of tight end Stevo Klotz, who cleared the path. Hansen said he didn’t know how to celebrate. He was just trying to avoid an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
“It’s kind of a surreal feeling,” Hansen said. “You don’t know what to do on the first touchdown because you’re like, ‘Wow, this is a dream come true.’”
Lee and Flora also got the first-touchdown experience Saturday. After ISU got held to 86 rushing yards against North Dakota and 89 rushing yards against Iowa, this was the breakout Cyclone fans had been waiting for.
The showcased depth, four running backs who averaged more than four yards a carry, is a result of a competitive practice environment.
“The goal is to be as good as we can and push each other,” Hansen said. “It’s kind of like we’re trying to out-work each other so I think it’s a healthy dose of we’re trying to push each other every day to be as best as we can.”
Even though Iowa State’s running backs are all trying to earn snaps, they are intent on becoming the tightest-knit group on the team. It takes a special mindset to achieve both at once.
“You got to have a selfless attitude about it … that’s the biggest thing, to have joy for others,” Hansen said.
Hansen said the running backs routinely meet up at each other’s houses. They eat lunch together. There isn’t a particular hobby like video games or playing ping pong that ties them together; they just enjoy hanging out and making jokes.
If the Cyclone running backs remain tightly knit and keep their competitive edge, sharing carries could pay dividends, especially in the back half of the season.
“I think the reality of it is you keep guys fresh,” Campbell said. “Those things are real positives and we’ll have to do a great job of evaluating practice and making sure we put the guys in the right position.
“But I think the fun thing about those three guys is they are all very similar runners and they can do similar things.”
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State tight end Tyler Moore (82) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State safety Dontay Joyner (6) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) runs from Arkansas State cornerback Justin Hodges (0) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State defensive back Malik Verdon, right, breaks up a pass intended for Arkansas State wide receiver Corey Rucker during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State running back Carson Hansen (26) runs from Arkansas State linebacker Charles Willekes (36) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter (10) blocks a punt by Arkansas State punter Ryan Heicher (47) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell watches from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor (1) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State running back Jaylon Jackson (12) runs from Arkansas State safety Dontay Joyner (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) reaches for an incomplete pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) tries to break a tackle by Arkansas State safety Brandon Greil (15) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State running back Abu Sama III (24) tries to break a tackle by Arkansas State cornerback Justin Hodges (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State defensive back Malik Verdon, center, runs up field after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State quarterback Timmy McClain (6) is sacked by Iowa State defensive end Joey Petersen (52) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) catches a pass over Arkansas State cornerback Justin Hodges (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State safety Dontay Joyner (6) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State wide receiver Beni Ngoyi (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State running back Carson Hansen celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Arkansas State quarterback Timmy McClain (6) is tackled by Iowa State defensive end Kenard Snyder (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State running back Dylan Lee (2) scores a touchdown in front of Arkansas State linebacker Marvin Ham (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones, left, greets Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State running back Aiden Flora, right, celebrates with teammate Iowa State tight end Jack Bjorn (48) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State linebacker Jack Sadowsky V (33) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Arkansas State quarterback Timmy McClain (6) is tackled by Iowa State defensive end Trent Jones II (89) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Photos: Cyclones run off to a 52-7 win over Arkansas St.
Matt Campbell won his 56th game as Iowa State’s coach when the Cyclones rolled to a 52-7 win over Arkansas State. See photos from Saturday’s game. 🌪️
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State tight end Tyler Moore (82) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State safety Dontay Joyner (6) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) runs from Arkansas State cornerback Justin Hodges (0) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State defensive back Malik Verdon, right, breaks up a pass intended for Arkansas State wide receiver Corey Rucker during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State running back Carson Hansen (26) runs from Arkansas State linebacker Charles Willekes (36) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter (10) blocks a punt by Arkansas State punter Ryan Heicher (47) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell watches from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor (1) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State running back Jaylon Jackson (12) runs from Arkansas State safety Dontay Joyner (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) reaches for an incomplete pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) tries to break a tackle by Arkansas State safety Brandon Greil (15) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State running back Abu Sama III (24) tries to break a tackle by Arkansas State cornerback Justin Hodges (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State defensive back Malik Verdon, center, runs up field after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State quarterback Timmy McClain (6) is sacked by Iowa State defensive end Joey Petersen (52) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) catches a pass over Arkansas State cornerback Justin Hodges (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Arkansas State safety Dontay Joyner (6) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State wide receiver Beni Ngoyi (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State running back Carson Hansen celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Arkansas State quarterback Timmy McClain (6) is tackled by Iowa State defensive end Kenard Snyder (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State running back Dylan Lee (2) scores a touchdown in front of Arkansas State linebacker Marvin Ham (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones, left, greets Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State running back Aiden Flora, right, celebrates with teammate Iowa State tight end Jack Bjorn (48) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Iowa State linebacker Jack Sadowsky V (33) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.
Arkansas State quarterback Timmy McClain (6) is tackled by Iowa State defensive end Trent Jones II (89) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 52-7.