Iowa State University ended a three-game losing streak on Saturday with a big 38-14 win over Kansas University. It was the Cyclones’ first win against the Jayhawks since 2021. ISU quarterback Rocco Becht led the way with three touchdown passes. Here is a breakdown.
Cyclones Jump to Early Lead
Becht got ISU on the scoreboard early with a nine-yard first-quarter touchdown strike to wideout Brett Eskildsen. The Cyclones added two more scores in the second quarter to lead 17-0 at halftime. Tailback Carson Hansen had a four-yard touchdown run four seconds into the second quarter, and kicker Kyle Konrardy hit a 55-yard field goal on the team’s next drive.
Both Offenses Flourish in the Third Quarter
Kansas finally got on the scoreboard with a four-play, 65-yard drive to start the third quarter that was capped off by a four-yard touchdown run by Leshon Williams. Iowa State answered back immediately. Becht drove the Cyclones 75 yards and hit Eskildsen in the end zone again, this time from 20 yards out.
Kansas scored again on the next drive to make it 24-14. Jayhawk backup quarterback Cole Ballard hit Boden Groen for a 21-yard score after starting quarterback Jalon Daniels left the game following a nine-yard scramble. Daniels was okay and returned on the next drive.
Iowa State answered again. Becht drove the team 59 yards on ten plays and finished with his third touchdown pass of the game. This time, the junior QB hit tight end Benjamin Brahmer from 12 yards out to make the score 31-24.
The Cyclones Own the Fourth Quarter
Just when it looked like KU had found its offense, the Cyclones slammed the door. Marcus Neal Jr. picked off a Daniels pass at the ISU goal line and ran it back to the 16-yard line. From there, Becht drove Iowa State 84 yards on nine plays to seal the win. Third-string running back Aiden Flora capped the drive with a 38-yard touchdown run.
Becht Leads ISU Attack
Becht finished with 241 yards passing and three touchdowns. He completed his first ten pass attempts and finished 18 of 23. Hansen had 120 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts. Eskildsen led Cyclone receivers with six catches for 73 yards and two scores.
Daniels Cools Down After Hot Start
Daniels started the season with 16 touchdowns in Kansas’ first five games, but has cooled since. He has thrown for just five scores in his last six games. He finished 13 for 23 on Saturday for 154 yards and one interception. Daniel Hishaw Jr. led the Jayhawk ground game with eight rushes for fifty yards. Groen led the team with five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.
What’s Up Next?
Iowa State is now 7-4 and 4-4 in the Big 12. They will travel to Stillwater next Saturday for a matchup against Oklahoma State. The 1-9 Cowboys are currently leading UCF at halftime, 14-0.
The loss runs Kansas‘ record to 5-6 and puts their bowl eligibility in jeopardy heading into the final game of the regular season. The Jayhawks will host 8-2 Utah next Saturday. The Utes are currently in a dogfight at home against Kansas State and trail 24-21 just before the half.
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