In a thrilling encounter on November 2, 2024, the Iowa State Cyclones faced off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, ultimately falling short with a score of 23-22. With this defeat, the Cyclones’ record moves to 7-1 for the season and 4-1 in Big 12 conference play.
The game was a nail-biter, with Iowa State briefly regaining the lead in the final minutes thanks to a spectacular 44-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rocco Becht to Carson Brown. Despite the Cyclones leading 22-17 after this play, the Red Raiders swiftly struck back, reclaiming the lead in the dying seconds with a five-yard touchdown run by Tahj Brooks. Although Texas Tech’s two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, the Cyclones couldn’t respond, failing to score in the final 20 seconds of the game.
Throughout the contest, the two teams engaged in a back-and-forth battle. In the fourth quarter alone, Iowa State managed to score a touchdown while also dealing with a missed opportunity of a field goal attempt. The Red Raiders recovered from setbacks, including a turnover on downs and penalties, to eventually secure the game.
In the earlier quarters, Iowa State’s Rocco Becht showcased solid performance, completing 12 out of 21 passes for 172 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. The team’s defense was initially strong, limiting Texas Tech’s opportunities and forcing turnovers, including a critical interception by Myles Purchase in the second quarter.
Despite the loss, there are positives for Iowa State to take away. The Cyclones demonstrated resilience and a strong capability to bounce back from adversity. Their offense, led by Becht and significant contributions from players like Jayden Higgins, showcases potential moving forward in the season.
As the Cyclones prepare for their next matchup, there remain opportunities to learn from this tough contest. Fans can look forward to more competitive games this season, rallying around a team that continues to show promise and fighting spirit.