Cyclones searching for answers after losing second-straight game
Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell has a discussion with officials during a replay review in the third quarter against Kansas Saturday November 9, 2024 at Arrowhead Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Cyclones’ Big 12 Title hopes are in jeopardy after suffering back-to-back losses, and their coach must quickly pick up the pieces to keep them contending in November.
Iowa State walked into a snakepit when it invaded Arrowhead Stadium Saturday afternoon, and Kansas delivered a 45-36 upset that sent the crowd of 51,109 into a frenzy. The No. 17 Cyclones lost to an unranked team, and allowed a season-high, worth of yards defensively, which frustrated Matt Campbell.
After all, the Jayhawks did whatever they wanted to with the ball offensively, scored in a variety of ways on multiple drives and won their third-straight over the Cyclones. Although it wasn’t the performance that Campbell expected, he’s glad that his players battled through adversity, and fought until the final whistle. Inexperience, injuries and lack of execution played a part in Iowa State’s shortcoming to Campbell, and he understands that has to change.
“Obviously we’re very young in some spots right now, we got some guys out, and the reality of it is we have to play better team football,” Campbell said. “Those young guys are straining to grow up really fast, on a team that has sixth-year seniors with a lot of talent, and our young guys looked like young guys tonight.”
The Cyclones got off to a hot start though. After Iowa State’s defense forced a three-and-out, quarterback Rocco Becht led the offense on a seven-play, 99-yard touchdown drive on the initial possession. Becht connected with wideout Jaylin Noel for a 27-yard score, and it temporarily silenced the crowd.
However, Kansas (3-6) responded, and scored 21 unanswered points. Quarterback Jalon Daniels made Iowa State’s defense pay with his arm and dangerous mobility. Not to mention running back Devin Neal trampled defenders throughout the contest. The Cyclones couldn’t do much to stop the bleeding, and found themselves down 31-13 at halftime.
Campbell tried his best to make halftime adjustments, but Iowa State (7-2) trailed by 25 points midway through the third quarter. Although the Cyclones battled back, and pulled within two scores in the fourth quarter, Becht threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, and that halted any miracle comeback.
The 36 points Iowa State scored should’ve been enough to win the game, but it’s leaky defense, and a costly turnover was the deciding factor. Once the smoke cleared, the Jayhawks led the Cyclones in total offense, plays, first downs, third down conversions, yards per play and time of possession. To make matters worse, Iowa State had more penalties. Numbers don’t lie, and that’s something Campbell has to address with his players and staff following Saturday’s loss.
“I think our detail still has to be a little bit better, again I said that last week, and I’m saying it again this week, that’s on myself and our coaching staff,” he said. “Detail and precision as coaching, so we gotta hold ourselves accountable, and continue to help these guys get through where we’re at right now.”
Becht completed 24 of his 37 passes for 383 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. The gunslinger was also sacked three times. Running back Carson Hansen finished with a team-high, 48 rushing yards and a score.
It was Noel that truly took advantage of the spotlight, and shined in his hometown. Noel recorded a game-high, eight catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. It was obvious that Kansas’ secondary couldn’t cover him, as he stretched the field vertically several times.
The defense was a liability, couldn’t make stops in the clutch and got dominated in the trenches for most of the afternoon. It didn’t help that Iowa State’s defense had several missed tackles, and didn’t force any turnovers. Defensive back Ta’Shawn James tallied a team-high, 10 tackles. Edge rusher Joey Petersen generated nine stops. Safety Beau Freyler, defensive back Darien Porter and linebacker Rylan Barnes contributed six tackles apiece.
Regardless of the defensive production, Campbell knows it wasn’t enough to pull out a win. Now the Cyclones need their veterans, and leaders to emerge during this time of adversity. Campbell expects his players to respond, and is confident they’ll rally behind each other for the final three games.
“One thing I love about our team is we have great characters, we got great leadership, and we got great coaching,” the 44-year old coach said. “The reality of it is who are you when things aren’t going great , and we’re going to find out, but I thought our kids came out ready to play.”
After a 7-0 start, the Cyclones will likely fall out of the AP top-25 following back-to-back losses, and need to win out to stay alive in the Big 12 race. Iowa State returns back to Jack Trice Stadium in week 12, and has to take care of business against Cincinnati to generate momentum.
For now, Campbell is going to head back to the drawing board, and figure out everything that needs to be corrected in what should be an intense week of practice.
