Iowa State coach Gene Chizik says The Cyclones will have more success as the players mature. ISU has lost seven straight games heading into this weekends visit to Colorado and currently 12 freshman are in the two-deep lineup.

Chizik says they are not playing young guys because they want to throw them in and all the older guys can’t play, he says they’re playing "because they are the best we’ve got." He says the young guys are playing to get experience so they will be good in a few years, they are the best players on the roster.

The Cyclones are 2-7 overall and still in search of their first Big-12 victory. Chizik says he’s excited about what’s happening down the road, but he’s not pleased nor is anyone else about the record. Chizik says one of the bright spots this season has been the play of special teams. He says they’ve had a punt and a kickoff get away, but other than that, things have been good.

Chizik is not concerned that the losing streak will damage the confidence of the younger players on the team. He says the players are playing and trying to have fun and get better with the understanding they have time to develop as players. He says they are frustrated about not winning, but see how good they can be and the team can be down the road. Colorado is 4-5 overall and 1-4 in the Big-12.