Iowa State gets past TCU 37-34

Iowa State had 13 days to prepare for its first Big 12 game of the season against the Horned Frogs of TCU. Following the disappointing performance to open the season against Louisiana-Lafayette the Cyclones obviously had immense pressure to find a win in this contest.

The day began with significant injury news, as preseason All-American tight end, Charlie Kolar and starting offensive lineman, Rob Hudson were both announced active after each missing week one with injury. While starting slot WR, Tarique Milton was ruled out with a lower leg injury sliding Landon Akers into a starting role.

To begin the game, Iowa State did not look prepared, as TCU drove down the field with ease until ISU settled into force a field goal attempt from 49 yards where TCU’s Griffin Kell would leave short.

The first quarter remained very sloppy with both teams alternating six consecutive punts in a defensive battle. The biggest play of the quarter was QB sack for the Cyclones, where JaQuan Bailey was credited with half of the sack to make him the program’s all time leader in the statistic.

The game would quickly open up in the second quarter. A three play scoring drive was finished by Breece Hall breaking off a 75 yard touchdown run just over five minutes into the quarter, giving the Cyclones a 7-0 lead.

TCU would then answer with a scoring drive of its own. Horned Frog receiver Quentin Johnston broke through the Cyclone secondary for a 37 yard touchdown. The game was even at seven with 6:37 remaining in the second quarter.

On the following drive Landen Akers broke out for a 47 yards reception setting up Connor Assalley for 25 yard field goal to retake the lead 10-7.

The Cyclones defense was fired up, as JaQuan Bailey added to his career sack total with a strip sack only two plays into TCU’s next possession. This set Iowa State’s offense up on the TCU 17 yard line. It would only take Brock Purdy two plays to find Darren Wilson Jr. for a 17 yard touchdown making the game 16-7, as Connor Assalley missed the PAT.

Iowa State took a 16-7 lead into the lockeroom, while JaQuan Bailey brought 3.5 first half sacks in by himself.

The second half could not have started any worse for Iowa State. TCU’s La’Kendrick Van Zandt picked off Brock Purdy three plays into the half for a 21 yard pick six, cutting the ISU lead to 16-14.

The Cyclone offense quickly bounced back. Senior RB, Kene Nwangwu broke off a 49 yard touchdown run expanding the lead to 23-14.

TCU would then go on to make a QB change on its next drive in hopes of jump-starting its struggling offense. Sophomore, Max Duggan would replace Matthew Downing.

Iowa State’s defense line continued to dominate with Duggan at QB forcing two straight TCU punts, but the ISU offense was not able to capitalize having two punts of its own. Then a substantially punt return had the Cyclones’ defense on a short field, and Max Duggan found Taye Barber for a 27 yard TCU touchdown making the score 21-23 with just under 30 seconds left in the third quarter.

Brock Purdy was ready to answer, as the proceeding drive started with a 19 yard run from the QB and then a 44 yard bomb to Joe Scates bringing the Cyclones into the redzone. It then took Breece Hall three plays to punch in his second touchdown of the day, making it a two score game at 30-21.

After back and forth punts, TCU answered with a touchdown. Artayvious Lynn caught a 48 yard touchdown, as the Horned Frogs offense looked much improved with Max Duggan behind center. Iowa State led 30-28 with 6:51 remaining in the ball game.

Following an Iowa State punt, TCU had the ball with a chance to take the lead. Captain LB, Mike Rose was having none of that, as he would intercept Max Duggan on one of the most insane plays you will ever see. Iowa State had the ball and a two point lead with four minutes left.

Breece Hall broke off a 32 yard touchdown for his third touchdown of the day essentially clinching the Cyclone win.

Next week Jack Trice Stadium will be rocking with 15,000 fans in attendance. Iowa State will welcome Oklahoma to Ames, as the Sooners are coming off a collapse loss to Kansas State.