On Senior Night, Iowa State took care of Business and blew out West Virginia, winning the regular season Big 12 Title and securing the #1 seed in the Title Game in Dallas. It was also senior night, and we saw touchdowns from program changers Landon Akers and Kene, which is always fun to see. Breece also notched over 150 total yards along with 2 TDs to continue to add to his Heisman season. Brock also passed for nearly 250 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with running for another. All aspects of the defense continued to remain strong as the Cyclones look ahead to Dallas for their Big 12 Championship meeting with Oklahoma on December 19th. Here a quick recap of the Game:
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![]() After a back and forth game, Iowa State scored a go-ahead Breece Hall rushing TD to take the lead and hold on against Texas. This win nearly cements Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship game, their first appearance in the game. They will also look to win the conference championship game and become winners of the conference for the first time in 108 years. Before this huge game, however, they will take on West Virginia next week. Iowa State seemed to struggle to run the ball, something they have done pretty well throughout the season, but the line and Hall came together and did what they needed to do on the final drive. Kolar came alive in this historic game as well, and had well over 100 receiving yards, which propelled the Cyclones offensively in a game where leading receiver Xavier Hutchinson was held in check by the Texas Defense. Tarique Milton back also added to Iowa State's offensive production. On the defensive side of the ball, the secondary played amazing and did well to stick with the Texas receivers. However, other than Latrell Bankston who came up clutch many times, they struggled to get pressure and contain the Texas passing game. Iowa State will look to improve on that going into their matchup next week with West Virginia. Heres a quick game recap: #17th ranked Iowa State edged one win Baylor by a score of 38-31. While this game was filled with Cyclone Mistakes, they were able to put it all together a come out with a win. After the win, they stayed at #17 in the AP Poll. Heres a one minute game recap video: Brock Purdy threw 3 picks early in the game, but settled down later in the game. It is weird to see the ball not handed to Breece earlier in the game, especially after multiple picks were thrown. The defense also looked shaky to start the game, but tightened up and got the job done. Special teams continues to prove to be an issue as we saw with the muffed punt.
Iowa State started fast, before showing some weaknesses in the special teams game. However, they quickly bounced back and dismantled Kansas. Heres the Recap: Breece Hall had a huge game, and puts himself in the Heisman conversation. Purdy also found Kolar and Hutchinson for TDs as the pass game continues to come together. A late TD from Dekkers to Scates showed the future of Iowa State football. The play calling contined to be skeptical at times, and special teams continues to be an issue, however, it looks like Campbell has his team headed in the right direction. Iowa State, who takes the top spot in the Big 12, and the number 17 spot in the AP Poll, turns to Baylor next week before their bye.
Iowa State pulled off a culture changing upset during primetime last night on ESPN. This now makes the Cyclones 2-0 in Conference play and 2-1 Overall. This upset also led them back into the top 25 rankings, where they find themselves at #24 in the AP Poll. Offense:Breece Hall had another monstrous game as he proves himself as a top back in the country. He seemed to never go down on first contact and and looked strong the whole night. The play calling was also exceptional and was highlighted by the tight end to tight end trick play. Kene's kickoff return was also a spark when the Cyclone's needed it/ DefenseThe Cyclones had another strong defensive outing. While the secondary still may be questionable at times, Isheem Young's game sealing interception made up for any questions. The defensive lined proved to be great again as they continued to get pressure with three or four rushers. The rush defense also looked good. Mike Rose seemed to be all over the field making plays. Jaquan Bailey also made some fabulous plays through the double and triple teams he was facing. Relive the Second Half Comeback:
Its always great to win, especially the conference opener. A lot of good things displayed by the Cyclones in their 3 point win against TCU.
Main HeadlinesBreece Hall:
Hall had a monstrous game, and when the offensive line, who looked a lot better, was able to open up lanes for the true sophomore running back, he was able to show his explosiveness. Hall finished with 155 yards on the ground to go along with a catch for five yards. He also found the endzone 3 times.
Jaquan Bailey:
Bailey had a huge game and was finally able to break through and become Iowa State's all time leading sack leader. Not only did he accomplish that, he also came away with 3.5 sacks along with a forced fumble. The forced fumble was huge as it set up Purdy's TD pass to Darren Wilson Jr. right before half. He put on one of the greatest individual defensive performances in school history.
Defensive Line and Linebackers:
The defensive line and linebackers put together a magnificent performance. The D-line created a ton of pressure as well as the linebackers doing everything they were supposed to. Mike Rose also had a huge pick to seal the deal for the Cyclones.
Iowa State Defensive Backs:
While the secondary looked good last game except for the huge touchdown they gave up, they struggled a bit more at times yesterday. Even with the pressure created by Iowa State's defensive line, the Horned Frog Quarterbacks were still able to find their receivers.
Purdy and the Passing Game:
Brock Purdy recorded his first passing touchdown and seemed to settle in well to the game. However, Purdy does not seem to be his explosive self. Hopefully, with a healthy Milton and Kolar next week, we will see an explosive Purdy against Oklahoma.
PositivesDefense
Iowa State's defensive was actually very impressive. Other than the 78 yard touchdown they gave up, they were very good (Not counting the last drive, the whole team had given up including Coach Campbell). The defensive line was very good including new comer Latrell Bankston. The linebackers looked good as well, and the secondary looked alright as well.
Breece Hall
Breece averaged over 5 yards per carry while rushing for over 100 yards and getting into the end zone once. Before Downing went down, the O-line looked pretty good for the Cyclones, creating holes for Hall.
NegativesPassing Game
The Wide Receives did not look good. Purdy did not look good. Play calling was interesting in second half. Just not good. Interesting to see how much Hutchinson was targeted.
Special Teams
No explaining needed. Iowa State has not had a special teams coach since 2018.
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