Iowa State had been playing better - much better - since firing Mark Mangino as offensive coordinator on Oct. 26. The Cyclones bullied Texas 24-0 five days after the firing and, after a blowout at red-hot Oklahoma, played Oklahoma State to a 35-31 final.
It appeared the Cyclones' improved play would continue Saturday after Iowa State threatened to snap a seven-game losing streak to Kansas State by constructing a 35-14 lead through one half.
And then it all fell apart.
K-State scored to pull within 35-21 in the third quarter, then again to pull within 35-28 early in the fourth, then tied it with 42 seconds remaining, and then won the game on a 42-yard field goal with three seconds remaining.
The Cyclones lost four fumbles in the second half, and the final two gave Kansas State the 10 points it needed to complete the comeback.
Despite the recent progress, the loss dropped Iowa State to 32-54 overall and 16-44 in the Big 12 in seven seasons under Paul Rhoads. After reaching bowls in three of his first four seasons, Rhoads is now 8-27 (4-22 Big 12) since the beginning of the 2013 season.
After a game like that, in a season like this, it certainly feels like we're nearing the end of the Rhoads' era in Ames.
One person rooting toward that end? His former offensive coordinator. Mark Mangino tweeted the following after the final gun Saturday.
In a rarely seen twist, Mangino then spent the next hour-plus retweeting people insulting him.
Tommy Mangino is Mark's son... and Iowa State's wide receivers coach.
Just an odd, ugly day in the Iowa State football universe - on the field and the Internet.