Great season. The difference this year from a 7 or 8 win year was a few things.
The offense being clutch in late game situations vs Iowa, (twice? vs)UCF, and even against Tech in a losing effort. Each time the offense needed a score late this year, they got it. I'd add the late drive vs KSU with a missed FG. The offense churned clock and yards as needed there.
Most games were fairly penalty free, and earlier in the year the turnovers from other teams were flowing like an endless river of honey. Even against Tech! Outside of the run defense being abhorrent at times, with the whole LB group being out for the season, and seemingly each week a DB as well.
I read a stat a few weeks back that of the 5 worst run defenses in P4 conferences, ISU was in the mix. The other 4 teams had like a combined 10 wins or something. Purdue, Oklahoma State, and some other bad teams.
I think ISU has 3 wins vs 8-4 teams, and the opportunity to take down a 10-2 squad. ASU has two 8-4 wins and a 10-2 vs BYU. Edge in resume to ASU for the committee should they win the B12CCG. ASU lost at Tech and at Cincy. Not horrible losses. I think ISU is out of the playoff with a loss, but maybe ASU still has a shot with a loss. No idea how strong BYU's schedule was though.