The good news for the Iowa State University football team Saturday afternoon was that it forced Kansas University’s high-powered offense to punt on the first possession of both halves.

The bad news: everything that happened in between.

KU quarterback Todd Reesing gashed the Cyclones defense during that span, completing 17 of 18 passes in the first half and throwing four touchdowns, as the Jayhawks easily handled ISU, 45-7, to remain undefeated.

Reesing’s performance – which lasted three quarters before he was pulled with a big lead – was impressive enough to convince ISU quarterback Bret Meyer that Reesing deserves serious consideration for the Heisman Trophy. Reesing has flown under the radar nationally in that category all season, but he now has 30 touchdown passes to just four interceptions.

“I don’t see why he’s not up there,” said Meyer, whose 48 straight starts was the longest active streak in the country. “I’d say the only reason he’s not up there is because he doesn’t go to one of the glamour schools. Of all the players I’ve seen, he’s one of the best. If he’s not up there, it’s a shame.”

Cyclones wide receiver Todd Blythe, who finished his career tied for third in Big 12 history with 31 touchdown receptions, said Reesing has all the tools necessary to become a great quarterback.

“He’s real accurate, and he’s on time with his throws,” Blythe said. “He really put the ball in a position where only his guys could make plays on it. As a receiver, that’s all you can ask for is a chance to go make a play. He did that for his guys, and they were able to come through.”

And it wasn’t just KU’s offense that earned glowing reviews from the Cyclones. Yes, the Jayhawks came in ranked second in the country in points per game, averaging nearly 46. But they also boast one of the stiffest defenses in the land. Saturday, ISU was limited to just 52 yards rushing, and KU actually lowered its nationally ranked scoring defense totals.

“I think they did a great job on defense because they’re the No. 2-ranked scoring defense in the country,” Iowa State head coach Gene Chizik said. “We could’ve had the Big Bad Wolf back there running the ball. It wouldn’t have mattered.”

The Cyclones finished their season 3-9 and will be relegated to TV-watching as KU (11-0) takes on Missouri (10-1) in Kansas City for the right to move on to the Big 12 championship game.

Both Chizik and Meyer were diplomatic in their responses when asked which team would represent the North in the Big 12 title game in San Antonio two weeks from now, although Meyer may inadvertently have given a tell.

“This team’s offense might be the best we’ve seen,” Meyer said of the Jayhawks in comparison to MU. “They’re just a really good team.”