By LUKE MEREDITH
AP Sports Writer

AMES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa State enters Big 12 play with a perfect record, a week of rest and a hopeful buzz surrounding the program for the second year in a row.

The Cyclones simply can't afford to blow that momentum that like they did in 2011.

Iowa State (3-0) opens conference play on Saturday against Texas Tech (3-0). Last year, the Cyclones started Big 12 play at home against Texas after a bye and got blown out 37-14, the first of 4 straight losses that nearly ruined their season.

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