The Best Cyclone Performance Against: Kansas

The Cyclones are coming off of a game that will make them remember the name “Assalley”, for a reason other than having a phenomenal last name, and now look to the reformed Les Miles led Kansas Jayhawks. This matchup has for the most part been looked at as the battle for second to last place in the Big 12, but both programs are (sort of) on the rise. The Jayhawks hold the all-time series lead 50-42-6, but Iowa State has won 8 of the last 9 games between the 2 squads.

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Iowa State has put a beatdown on Kansas in the last 2 seasons, outscoring the Jayhawks 72-3, and we would not have to look that far back to find a gem in this series.

It’s November the 3rd, 2018, and the Cyclones head to Lawrence riding a 3 game winning streak, and have a new face at quarterback in freshman phenom, Brock Purdy. Purdy was able to ignite this offense to brand new levels, and running back David Montgomery was doing his thing in the backfield. Another player emerging in the offense is junior wide receiver, Hakeem “The Dream” Butler. Hakeem had already hauled in 24 catches, 479 yards, and 6 scores, along with being amongst the best in the country averaging nearly 22 yards a catch. As for the Jayhawks, they are coming off of a win against TCU, and sit at 3-5 (one of their best records in many years).

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The teams both opened with punts in the 2018 edition of the Mark Mangino Bowl, but Hakeem Butler hit the Kansas secondary with his own rendition of The Dream Shake and broke free for an 83 yard touchdown to break the 0-0 tie.

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The Cyclones next possession would possibly be responsible for the college football knowing the name “Hakeem Butler”. Having a 6 foot 5 receiver that also runs a sub 4.5 40 time is a huge advantage, especially when he has an incredible ability to go get the ball. Brock Purdy was able to give Hakeem every opportunity he could get, and boy would he capitalize on this play. Even though the ball was thrown a bit short, The Dream was able to reach over a Kansas defender to make the catch, then stiff arm and throw the poor fella before making his way to the end zone for a 51 yard score.

The infamous “Moss and Toss” would be featured on ESPN’s NFL Countdown, and Butler would finish with 5 catches, 164 yards, and the 2 touchdowns in a 27-3 victory over the Jayhawks.