Eleven starters from last year’s bowl loss return for Iowa State, which is trying to reach its fourth bowl game in five seasons under coach Paul Rhoads. Saturday afternoon gave an early look at the team’s running back corps — a group that’s impressed the Iowa State coaching staff and appears to be a strength.

DeVondrick Nealy — a 5-foot-10, 183-pound sophomore — had a game-high 18 carries and 142 yards, scoring touchdowns with the first- and second-team offenses. Junior college transfer Aaron Wimberly, a 5-foot-9 speedster, had 15 carries for 89 yards and was targeted several occasions for pass plays.