In a thrilling season opener, No. 22 Iowa State showcased their prowess by defeating No. 17 Kansas State with a score of 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic held on Saturday. The standout performer for Iowa State was Rocco Becht, who not only passed for two touchdowns but also added another score with his legs, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities.
Becht completed 14 of 28 passes for a total of 183 yards. His precision was evident as he found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter, followed by a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brett Eskildsen in the third quarter. With just 2:26 remaining in the game, coach Matt Campbell made a crucial decision to go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht connected with Carson Hansen for a vital 15-yard completion, effectively sealing the victory for the Cyclones.
“He called a great play,” Becht commented. “He gave me two plays and let me decide, and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it. We've worked on it in practice, and it's been working for us. I'm confident in it, and I have trust in my guys.”
The Cyclones extended their lead to 24-14 in the fourth quarter, following a turnover on downs by Kansas State at their own 30-yard line. Becht capped off the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left on the clock. Despite a strong effort from Kansas State's Avery Johnson, who threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, the Wildcats struggled to mount a comeback.
Johnson also showcased his versatility with a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and a remarkable 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining in the game. However, the Wildcats could not regain possession, as Iowa State controlled the clock.
Both teams faced challenging weather conditions during the first half, resulting in multiple turnovers. Kansas State recorded two turnovers along with a turnover on downs, while Iowa State also had two turnovers in the opening 30 minutes. Coach Campbell praised his team's ability to make effective adjustments at halftime. “We saw some things differently in the first game, and the opportunity to make adjustments was crucial,” he said.
Iowa State's Carson Hansen led the rushing attack with 71 yards on 16 carries, while Kansas State's Joe Jackson contributed 51 yards on 12 carries. Campbell commended the performance of the offensive line, stating, “They did a really great job in the second half. Our tight ends and O-line executed well, and Carson is a really great player.”
With this win, Iowa State has now defeated Kansas State in five of the past six seasons. “Those are great wins,” Campbell reflected. “Any time you can beat quality opponents, that's awesome. We have a long way to go; it’s only game one, and there’s a lot of football left.”
Iowa State will now prepare to host South Dakota on August 30, while Kansas State will face North Dakota on the same day. The teams will look to build on their performances in this exciting season opener.
This matchup also featured a fun celebration of the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, with both Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts present on the sidelines during the game.
Unfortunately, Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter after a muffed punt and did not return to the game, adding to the team’s challenges.
Rocco Becht's performance solidified his status as a rising star in college football. As Iowa State looks to capitalize on this momentum, fans are eager to see how the season unfolds.
