Iowa State Takes a Deuce on Kansas State, 33-20

Some demons, and maybe even a vampire, were exorcised in Manhattan. The Cyclones got their first away win against purple Kansas since 2004. when I was in Mrs. Linde’s Kindergarten class.

In a mostly stress free game Iowa State and Breece Hall had a house call in the first 12 seconds of the game as the Cyclones scored on their first play of scrimmage. Kansas State’s next drive would end in a Greg Eisworth interception off of a Skylar Thompson overthrow and Iowa State was up 10-0 very early. Kansas State would cut it to 10-7 but that is as close as this one would get.

Iowa State’s (at least) two headed monster of Brock Purdy and Breece Hall absolutely delivered. It seemed Purdy completed every third down conversion pass. Hall racked up 200 yards, then was tackled for loss two plays in a row so the Wildcats limited him to ONLY 197 rushing yards on the day.

And would you believe it, the special teams did not bad. In what I thought could be the X factor in this game, and Andrew Mevis had himself a game. Mevis had four field goals all from 40 yards out or further and the Fordham transfer finished four for four (How’s that for alliteration?). On top of that K-State only had one good, but not great, kick return, and really nothing else to speak of besides a missed field goal and a shanked extra point.

If you want to knit pick, the O-Line seemed to be a little slow off the snap at times, but they have to be doing something right if Hall got 197 yards. The defense gave up a rare touchdown in the second half from a drive that seemed to be a little too smooth from the Wildcats.

But hey man, outside of that a damn good game. It was all business on the trip to Manhattan, some solid Matt Campbell football. I hate the term ‘must-win’ but this one was very important with a looming showdown against a highly ranked Oaky State team come Saturday for homecoming. I’ll see y’all in Ames for that one. Iowa State moves to 4-deuce on the year.