Iowa State back alive in the Big 12 after win over TCU
The Iowa State players celebrating a win over TCU Saturday October 5, 2019 at Jack Trice Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
AMES, Ia. — It was the second game at Jack Trice Stadium that was effected by inclement weather this season, but that didn’t stop the Cyclones.
Iowa State played inspired on both sides of the ball Saturday in rout to a 49-24 win over TCU. The 25-point win was the team’s largest over a Big 12 opponent since October of 2017. The Cyclones got their first conference win of the season and accomplished it in front of 55,553 fans.
The Cyclones kept their foot on the pedal and led the entire game against the Horned Frogs. After losing two close games this season Coach Matt Campbell wanted his team to finish drives and they delivered.
“People get sick of me talking about winning in the margin, but at Iowa State forever that’s how you’re going to win games,” Campbell said.
The Cyclones finished with 436 yards of total offense compared to the Horned Frogs’ 329. TCU’s gave up a season-high, 49 points. It was the second time this season the Horned Frogs allowed 41 or more points, which is uncharacteristic of their stout defense.
Iowa State true sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy played out of his mind, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 102 on the ground and two rushing scores. His gutsy performance fueled the team and he distributed the ball to multiple receivers and tight ends.
“The only chance we had to win last week was because of Brock Purdy,” Campbell said. “The good thing about that guy is he is who he is and he’s the best version of himself every time he can be.”
The Cyclones’ offense played balanced for the most part and had no turnovers. Purdy was able to improvise and kept the chains moving with his mobility. Not to mention running back Johnnie Lang had two rushing touchdowns and kept TCU’s defense from keying in on Purdy.
Senior wide receiver Deshaunte Jones hauled in 10 passes for 110 yards, which was his second game of the season with 10 or more receptions. Tight end Charlie Kolar caught only one pass Saturday, but it was his first touchdown reception of the season.
“What’s great about the passing game is it’s hard to zero in on just one person,” Campbell said. “I think that we feel really confident that the guys in that receiver room can all make plays and what makes Brock really good in my opinion is he got the ability to take what the defense gives us.”
After the team went up 35-10 in the third quarter Iowa State’s defense allowed TCU’s offense to pull within 11 points in the beginning of the fourth quarter. TCU quarterback Max Duggan tried to take advantage of Iowa State’s secondary after starting safety Greg Eisworth left the game with an undisclosed injury.
Still, Campbell was determined not to let his team surrender another fourth quarter lead and the Cyclones kept pouring it on. Now the team has momentum again and will need it for the next two games which are on the road.
The Cyclones are approaching the meat-grinder of their conference schedule and the blowout over the Horned Frogs was a statement win to the rest of the Big 12.
