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DES MOINES, IA (AP) -- For most Big 12 teams, a 7-6 record and a minor bowl win would be viewed as a decent season at best and a forgettable one at worst. 

Iowa State isn't most Big 12 teams. 

For the Cyclones, seasons that end in bowl games - no matter the level of prestige - are considered a success. 

Iowa State capped 2009 with a 14-13 win over Minnesota in Thursday's Insight Bowl, its first postseason game since the 2005
Houston Bowl. It was a bounceback season for the program, one that left little doubt that coach Paul Rhoads is the great fit for Iowa State. 

The challenge Rhoads now faces is to turn this year's modest gains into sustained success. Though Iowa State brings back most of its offensive starters next season, the Cyclones will lose at least six starters on defense.

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