In the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship held in Arlington, Texas, No. 16 Iowa State faced a challenging matchup against No. 15 Arizona State, ultimately losing by a score of 45-19. This defeat, however, does not overshadow the historic season the Cyclones have had.
The game started competitively, with both teams scoring on their opening drives. Iowa State’s Carson Hansen made a notable three-yard touchdown reception early, and Kyle Konrardy added a field goal on the next drive. However, by halftime, the Cyclones found themselves trailing 24-10, putting them in a tough spot.
Things took a turn for the worse for Iowa State in the third quarter, as they encountered significant mistakes that led to turnovers on their first three possessions. Arizona State capitalized on these errors, scoring touchdowns on each opportunity. This setback extended Arizona State’s lead to a commanding 45-10.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht completed 21 of 35 passes, accumulating 214 yards and two touchdowns. His primary targets included Jayden Higgins, who had an impressive 115 yards on seven receptions, and Jaylin Noel, who contributed five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Arizona State’s standout player, Cam Skattebo, rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns while also catching a touchdown pass.
Despite the tough loss, Iowa State can take pride in achieving its first 10-win season in program history. As the Cyclones look ahead, they will soon learn their bowl destination, marking a milestone that reflects the team’s resilience and growth throughout the season.
This year has shown significant promise for Iowa State, and fans can look forward to more exciting opportunities in the future.