Iowa State Avoids Upset By Drake.

On a cold, dreary, sleety day in Ames, Iowa State took on Incarnate Word Drake, and won a game that they probably shouldn’t have.

Iowa State won the coin flip and elected to defer, Drake started out at their own 25. The Bulldog’s actually picked up a first down before being forced to punt. Iowa State started at their first possession at the 25 and went three-and-out. A bad snap on the punt led to Drake taking over at the Cyclone 7.

The Drake TE, Zach DeLeon took advantage of the field position and caught a 7 yard touchdown from Grant Kraemer. Drake led 7-0, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

After a very short kickoff, which Sheldon Croney Jr. returned to the ISU 46, David Montgomery broke loose for a 39 yard run, going inside the Drake 10. After the o-line created another big hole, Montgomery ran it in for a 7 yard touchdown. David Montgomery also broke the 1,000 yards barrier on this play.

Drake appeared to be moving the ball until Kraemer threw a pick right into the hands of Brian Peavy, and the senior returned it to midfield. This time, Iowa State moved the ball through the air. Butler and Eaton both made big first down catches to advance further into Drake territory. David Montgomery trucked a few more opponents and brought the ball to the 1. And of course, he finished off the drive with a one yard touchdown.

Drake picked up several first downs and advanced deep in Iowa State territory. Drake advanced all the way to the ISU 2 before Tom Pugh caught a touchdown pass to tie the game at 14.

Through 25 minutes, it didn’t look like Iowa State care. After getting a pass interference call his way, Hakeem Butler dropped what would of been a beautiful touchdown throw from Brock Purdy. Iowa State still marched into drake territory but were forced to go for 4th and short, which they didn’t get. Drake took over at their own 37.

Drake went three-and-out and then Iowa State caught a break. Kennedy Ross punted it off one of the lineman’s back and Iowa State recovered it at the Drake 22. The Cyclones steadily moved the ball before Brock Purdy ran in for an 11 yard touchdown. However, Assalley missed the PAT, and the Cyclones led 20-14 with 2:13 left in the half.

Drake started their hopeful two-minute drill on their own 20. Iowa State used a couple timeouts while forcing a three-and-out. Iowa State was going to a get a minute to try and score from their own 38. Brock Purdy completed a 20 yard pass to Hakeem Butler as he was falling down. Even with that catch, Iowa State was stopped on a 4th and short. They went into the locker room with a 20-14 lead. Oof.

Kene started out with a strong kick return to the 37 of ISU. However, a holding and a fumble by Brock Purdy gave Drake the ball at the Cyclone 29. Drake moved all the way to the Iowa State 9 before stalling on 3rd down. Danny Donley sunk the 26 yard field goal to bring the score to 20-17.

A very short kickoff led to good field position for ISU at their own 43. Kyle Kempt entered the game on this drive. Kempt then proceeded to throw an interception. Drake took over at their own 46, and continued to move the ball with ease, completing pass after pass. Drake appeared to score a touchdown, but an offensive pass interference called it back. On the next play, Drake scored a 10 yard touchdown. They led 24-20.

Brock Purdy reentered the game for Iowa State’s drive on the 33. The Cyclones moved the ball down the field this time and capitalized with a 7 yard touchdown to Deshaunte Jones. Assalley didn’t miss this time, Iowa State regained the lead at 27-24.

After three quarters, Iowa State led 27-24. Bigger oof.

Drake picked up a first down but the defense stood tall to force a punt. Iowa State got the ball and ran three plays before punting. Drake muffed the punt but they ended up recovering it. Drake got the ball at their own 25 with 10 minutes left in the game. Drake moved the ball a little bit, but on 3rd down from midfield Spencer Benton recorded Iowa State’s first sack of the day.

Iowa State got the ball at their own 14 and went three-and-out again. They punted the ball back to Drake at the ISU 46. Drake made a huge completion on 3rd and long to advance in ISU territory. De’Monte Ruth made a great play in the end zone and Jaquan Bailey recorded a sack to bring up 3rd and 30 for Drake. Drake didn’t convert and were forced to punt. Iowa State got the ball at their own 20 with 3 minutes left. The Cyclones picked up a first down on a 17 yard completion from Purdy to Butler. Iowa State needed one yard to win the game, and David Montgomery barely got it.

Iowa State squeaked out a win, 27-24. Drake deserved to win and Iowa State deserved to lose, no doubt about it. The score may indicate something different, but Iowa State did not win today.

You can blame the weather all you want, but the difference today was motivation. And the non-scholarship program showed more of that today.

The next time we will see ISU will be in a little less than a month in a bowl game. The location will be announced tomorrow.