Iowa State dominates Texas Tech: 31-15

No. 24 Iowa State welcomed the Red Raiders of Texas Tech to Jack Trice Stadium on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The Cyclones would have to go into battle without their starting slot receiver, Tarique Milton, third-string RB, Johnnie Lang, and starting guard, Trevor Downing who are all nursing their own injuries.

After forcing an opening drive Texas Tech three and out, Iowa State’s offense came out hot. Matt Campbell wanted to begin the game fast, deciding to go for it on fourth and two deep in Texas Tech territory, which he converted.

But then disaster struck. An ISU touchdown was taken off the board due to an illegal procedure penalty which forced a 20 yard Connor Assalley field goal attempt. The kick was blocked and returned by Zach McPhearson for a 90 yard touchdown. Texas Tech led 7-0 four minutes into the ball game. Iowa State’s special teams problems continue.

Fortunately, the Iowa State offense responded. The Big 12’s top RB, Breece Hall capped off an eight play 68 yard drive with an 11 yard touchdown run. Hall had eight carries for 57 yards with just 4:31 remaining in the first quarter. Tied ball game.

The Cyclone offense could not be contained to begin the game. Brock Purdy had quieted the haters (including myself), as after a 11/12 first quarter throwing the ball, he found Chase Allen for six to open the second. Cyclones led 14-7.

After forcing a third consecutive Texas Tech punt, an Iowa State penalty and mistake riddled drive was capped off by a one yard Breece Hall touchdown. 21-7 Cyclones 5:31 remaining in the half.

*The Clones’ also lost another starting o-lineman, Joe Ramos who left the game with a lower leg injury.

After trading punts Texas Tech opted to play it conservative and gave Iowa State a 21-7 lead heading into the lockeroom.

The second half began how the first half ended, with a trade of punts for both sides.

The Cyclones were moving down the field on their following drive, until Dylan Soehner coughed up a fumble giving Texas Tech the ball on ISU’s own 39 yard line.

The Red Raiders looked to take advantage of the turnover, as they decided to go for it on fourth and two, but Isheem Young and the Cyclones’ world class defense was having none of that forcing a turnover on downs.

The Iowa State offense took advantage of the momentum, as Charlie Kolar caught a 13 yard touchdown pass to cap off a 12 play 70 yard drive. Iowa State: 28 Texas Tech: 7, 3:06 remaining in the third.

After forcing what seemed like millionth Texas Tech punt, Iowa State drove down the field with relative ease until having to settle for a 26 yard Connor Assalley field goal making the game 31-7 with just over 12 minutes remaining.

Midway through the fourth quarter, while the game was no longer competitive, star DB Isheem Young was ejected on a targeting penalty. Losing Young could be a huge in the long run, as he will have to sit for the first half of Iowa State’s next game against No. 10 Oklahoma State.

A late garbage touchdown from Texas Tech’s backup QB Henry Colombi to Erik Ezukanma made the final score 31-15.

Honestly Texas Tech looked virtually lifeless for the majority of the second half if not the whole game and the Cyclones dominated on all facets of the field.

Iowa State will have a bye week next Saturday, before they travel to Stillwater to take on No. 10 Oklahoma State on Oct. 24.