Iowa State defeated No. 21 Iowa, 20-19, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday. The Cyclones rallied from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the victory, their second straight at Kinnick Stadium. Freshman kicker Kyle Konrardy sealed the game-winning 54-yard field goal with six seconds left.

Iowa State's offense struggled in the first half, managing just 101 yards and no points. However, the Cyclones found their rhythm in the second half, led by quarterback Rocco Becht's 272 passing yards and two touchdowns. Becht connected with Jayden Higgins for a 3-yard touchdown in the third quarter, followed by a 75-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel.

Iowa's offense was led by running back Kaleb Johnson, who rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Hawkeyes' passing game struggled, with quarterback Cade McNamara completing just 13 of 29 passes for 99 yards and two interceptions by Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout the contest. Iowa held a 13-0 lead at halftime, but Iowa State responded with 17 unanswered points in the third quarter to take the lead. Iowa retook the lead on a Johnson touchdown run, but Konrardy's game-winning field goal secured the victory for the Cyclones.

Konrardy's Heroics

Konrardy's 54-yard field goal was the longest of his career and the longest field goal made by an Iowa State player since 2018. The redshirt freshman had not attempted a field goal in a game before Saturday.

“Not think,” Konrardy said of his pre-kick routine. “That's it. Just go out there, not think and do what you do.”

Iowa State's Defensive Dominance

Iowa State's defense was a key factor in the victory. The Cyclones forced two interceptions and held Iowa to just 99 passing yards.

“My freshman year, I used to guard him all the time, and he was tough to guard at receiver,” cornerback Myles Purchase said. “To see him be able to do this in his senior year, his last year, to be able to perform like this is something special.”

Iowa's Disappointment

The loss was a disappointing one for Iowa, who was looking to build on their season-opening victory over Illinois State. The Hawkeyes will now face the Troy Trojans next Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Iowa City.

“It's a big game for everybody in the state, certainly no bigger than the players on both sides and the coaches,” Ferentz said. “After a loss like this, it's tough. There's not much you can say to make anybody feel any better.”

The Big Picture

Iowa State's victory was a significant one, as it marked their second straight win over Iowa. The Cyclones are now 2-0 on the season and will look to continue their momentum against their Big 12 rivals.

The loss for Iowa was a setback, but the Hawkeyes still have plenty of time to turn things around. The team will be looking to bounce back against Troy next week.

Looking Ahead

The Cy-Hawk rivalry is one of the most passionate in college football. This year's matchup was a thrilling one, with Iowa State proving to be a formidable opponent. The Cyclones' victory will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the rivalry.

Iowa State will look to carry the momentum from this victory into the Big 12 season, while Iowa will be looking to bounce back and make a run for a Big Ten title.

The Cy-Hawk rivalry will continue to be a battleground for the two teams in the years to come. Fans of both teams can expect more thrilling matchups and intense competition.

Final Thoughts

In the end, it was a tale of two halves. Iowa dominated the first half, but Iowa State came alive in the second half, powered by a strong offensive performance from Rocco Becht and a dominant defensive performance from their secondary. Iowa State’s late-game heroics showed their mental toughness and resilience in a rivalry game that is always a spectacle. The Cyclone’s victory will surely give them a confidence boost as they enter the heart of their Big 12 schedule.

Iowa, on the other hand, will have to find ways to improve their passing game and limit turnovers if they want to make a run for a Big Ten title. This was a tough loss, but it’s a long season. The Hawkeyes have plenty of time to make adjustments and get back on track.