Cyclones Down the Zips

Iowa State picked up the first win of the year over the 2-0 Akron Zips.

Akron started off the game strong by driving down the field, but their quarterback, Kato Nelson, was picked off by Braxton Lewis at the 29.

Iowa State took over and got one first down before punting, Akron did the same on their second possession.

On Iowa State’s second possession, Tarique Milton fumbled the ball. Akron took over at the Cyclone 26, they capitalized on the great field position with a touchdown pass to Andre Williams.

Iowa State bounced back thanks to a 47 yard kick return by Kene Nwangwu. David Montgomery made a couple incredible runs to keep the drive alive. This allowed a red zone opportunity finished off by Hakeem Butler.

Akron had another big play to advance to midfield, but the Cyclone defense held their ground and forced a punt.

Iowa State and the Zips both traded punts, Tarique Milton redeemed his fumble earlier with a good punt return to put the Cyclones at the Akron 32.

Thanks to an 21 yard completion to the hands of Matthew Eaton, the Cyclones got into the red zone. However, the offense stalled and was forced to kick a field goal. Connor Assalley knocked down the 27 yarder.

Akron responded with a field goal of their own, 45 yards by Nick Gasser.

They Cyclones got the ball back on their own 26 with 5:13 left in the half. They went 74 yards on a convincing drive, that was punched in on a one yard touchdown by David Montgomery. Iowa State went into the locker up 17-10.

Akron opened the second half with a stop and a long drive that resulted in a field goal after the offense stalled.

Both teams traded punts. After the Zips punt, Iowa State started with the ball at the 44. The year marched down the field, but incentives again came to a halt in the red zone. Assalley drilled the 29 yarder rock start the fourth quarter.

After a shanked punt from Gasley, the Iowa State offense started with great field position at their own 45. They drove into the red zone, but once again, they settled for a field goal.

Akron got into Iowa State territory, but on 4th and 7 at the 38 they punted instead of going for it. The punt went into the end zone and the Cyclones took over at the 20.

The offense took into Zip terrioty, Sheldon Croney then coughed into up at the 29.

Akron went 4 plays and lost 6 yards, giving it right back to the Cyclones. Connor Assalley kicked a field after a three and out to make it 26-13.

David Montgomery was the clear player of the game with 23 carries for 107 yards, along with a touchdown. Hakeem Butler played another great game with a touchdown and 88 yards.

Zeb Noland played a good enough game, but not at the level of last week. He had 26 completions on 34 attempts for 233 yards.

The Cyclones didn't play great and looked sloppy at points, but this is still a win over a solid MAC opponent.

Most importantly, that win was for Celia.

Next week: @TCU, 6:00