Coming out of a bye week, Iowa State walked into Arizona looking for a Big 12 win and instead got hit with a fast start it never recovered from. The Wildcats needed just two plays to open the scoring, ripping off a 71-yard touchdown pass to grab control immediately.
The Cyclones’ first offensive answer was a three-and-out, and Arizona kept the pressure on with a much longer march the next time it had the ball. This one covered 80 yards in 13 plays and ended with Quincy Craig punching in a six-yard touchdown run.
Iowa State did manage to get points on the board on its second possession, with Kyle Konrardy drilling a field goal. Later in the first half, the Cyclones finally slowed Arizona enough to force a field goal of their own.
That was about as good as it got. After reaching Arizona territory, Iowa State went for it on fourth down and came away empty, turning the ball over on downs. Arizona then took its own turn rolling the dice instead of settling for a field goal, kept the drive alive, and finished the series with its third touchdown before halftime.
By the break, Arizona led 25-3, and Iowa State made a quarterback change to start the second half. Jaylen Raynor was benched for Connor Moberly, with Jimmy Rogers making the switch after Raynor had not lived up to expectations so far this season. Moberly, one of the few players to remain with the program this offseason, was handed a tough assignment with the team already trailing badly.
The change did not provide much of a spark. Iowa State’s offense remained stuck, and the game continued to look lopsided on both sides of the ball.
The Cyclones now turn to a Halloween home game against Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are having a strong season, so even with the game in Ames, it won’t be an easy one for Iowa State. Moberly could also be in line to start again next week.
In Other News...
Iowa State Heads Home With Big Questions After Embarrassing Arizona Loss
Arizona turned Iowa States trip into a lopsided setback, rolling to a 39-3 win as Noah Fifita threw two touchdown passes and the Cyclones never found much rhythm on either side of the ball. Iowa State even made a quarterback change during the game in search of a spark, but the offense still sputtered while the defense had no answer for Arizonas control of the matchup.
Jimmy Rogers did not sugarcoat where things stand afterward, saying the Cyclones have plenty to clean up before they can feel better about themselves. The good news is they get a chance to reset at home next, with Oklahoma State coming to town, and Iowa State will need a far sharper effort if it wants to put this one behind it. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa State May Have Found The Offensive Spark It Needed
Ryan Prather Jr. gave Iowa State exactly the kind of perimeter boost it has been looking for, scoring 25 points and drilling six of seven shots from beyond the arc as the Cyclones rolled past Northwestern 84-59 in an exhibition game. The approach looked familiar in the best way, with Iowa State leaning on paint touches to open up clean looks on the outside, while fifth-year point guard Tamin Lipsey returned for his preseason debut and added 14 points and seven assists to steady the offense.
The performance also had the feel of a deeper lineup finding its footing, with several Cyclones chipping in through rebounds, blocks and timely scoring as the group moved closer to its season opener. For a team that has been searching for a more reliable offensive spark, the exhibition offered a promising snapshot of what this roster can look like when the ball is moving, the spacing is there and the shots start falling. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa State Just Showed Why This Team Could Be So Dangerous
Ryan Prather Jr. gave Iowa State exactly the kind of spark that can make this team dangerous once the calendar turns toward tougher games. Coming off the bench at Welsh-Ryan Arena, he led the Cyclones with 25 points in a lopsided 94-59 win over Northwestern, while the rest of the group backed him with the kind of defense and shot-making that has become the programs calling card.
Iowa State was already in control by halftime after overwhelming Northwestern on both ends, then kept the game in hand even as the Wildcats found a little more rhythm after the break. The larger question now is whether this version of the Cyclones, with bench production and smothering defense both showing up at once, can keep stacking performances like this when the opposition gets better. [Read more 🡒]