AMES — Iowa State achieved a convincing victory against Arkansas State, improving their record to 3-0 on the season. The Cyclones triumphed 52-7 at Jack Trice Stadium, resuming play after their first of two bye weeks. The Iowa State defense was particularly strong, preventing Arkansas State from scoring a touchdown until the last five minutes of the game, when the coaching staff opted to rotate players in.
Next week, Iowa State will commence Big 12 competition, traveling to Houston.
The game concluded with Iowa State dominating 52-7. Freshman walk-on Aiden Flora capped off the match with an eight-yard touchdown run, marking the first touchdown of his career with just 24 seconds left on the clock.
In the fourth quarter, with 4:53 remaining, the Red Wolves interrupted Iowa State’s bid for a shutout, scoring a touchdown via a 27-yard pass from Timmy McClain to Hunter Summers.
Earlier in the quarter, true freshman Dylan Lee made his own mark by scoring his first touchdown on a handoff from fellow freshman Connor Moberly, contributing to Iowa State’s total of six touchdowns and one field goal during the game.
At 1:31 in the third quarter, Iowa State earned an unusual first down when Connor Moberly’s pass was intercepted by Arkansas State’s Websley Etienne, who attempted a return but was stripped of the ball by Carson Hansen. Eli Green recovered the fumble on Iowa State’s 42-yard line.
Carson Hansen added another touchdown for Iowa State with a three-yard run early in the third quarter, pushing the score to 38-0.
By halftime, Iowa State had built a commanding 31-0 lead, with their defense managing to shut out Arkansas State in the first two quarters. After halftime, Arkansas State took possession of the ball hoping to mount a comeback.
In the second quarter, after an interception by Malik Verdon, Rocco Becht connected with Jayden Higgins for a 16-yard touchdown just moments later.
Tyler Moore extended Iowa State’s lead with a 10-yard touchdown reception from Becht, while Kyle Konrardy successfully kicked a 31-yard field goal earlier in the quarter.
The game started with Iowa State’s opening drive resulting in a punt, but they quickly regained momentum, with Rocco Becht scoring a touchdown from one yard out following significant offensive contributions.
The matchup between Iowa State and Arkansas State was broadcast nationally on ESPN+, with Richard Cross and Taylor McHargue providing commentary.
Iowa State’s schedule for the remainder of the season includes a game next week against Houston, followed by contests against Baylor and West Virginia, among others.