Ames, Iowa ? Iowa State’s players are stopping short of calling Saturday’s game with No. 23 Oklahoma a must-win.

But after losing three of their last four games, the Cyclones (3-3, 0-2 Big 12) know that to have any chance at reaching the Big 12 title game – or even earn a bowl bid – they have to start putting more points on the board.

No better time than the present, even if it includes yet another ranked team. Oklahoma (3-2, 0-1) will be the Cyclones’ fourth straight Top 25 Division 1 opponent, and Iowa State is 0-3 against such teams so far.

“It’s extremely important right now to win the game against Oklahoma. There’s a lull on the team right now,” center Scott Stephenson said. “We know we’re better than what (people) see on Saturday.”

The Cyclones have been plagued by bouts of maddening inconsistency on offense, which has fueled an increased level of tension within their locker room. Iowa State knew going into the season its strength rested on offense, because of the youth and inexperience on the other side of the ball.

But that offense, which brought back 10 starters from a year ago, has played well only in spurts.

Iowa State has averaged only 16 points a game in losses to Texas, Iowa and Nebraska.