Kyle Konrardy proud to be the hero in back-to-back wins over Iowa

AMES, Iowa — The sophomore kicker is no stranger to delivering in the clutch, after nailing a 54-yard field goal for a second-straight year to give Iowa State a 16-13 win over Iowa.

Kyle Konrardy prides himself on mental toughness in drastic situations. Dealing with the pressure of making kicks in various types of weather, in front of huge crowds and during the biggest moments of games is what comes with the territory to him. Which is why Konrardy had all of the confidence in the world when he put the Cyclones on his back, and carried them to the finish line Saturday afternoon.

The Iowa native nailed all three of his field goal attempts against the Hawkeyes, and was the main reason why the Cyclones hoisted the trophy for a second consecutive season. However, Konrardy understands that it’s a team game, and refuses to take all of the credit from his teammates.

“I wouldn’t say it was just me, we had a great offense, great defense, great Special Teams the whole game,” Konrardy said. “Even the fans base was fantastic the whole game, but I take it with a grain of salt with this game.”

Iowa State (3-0) drew first blood with Konrardy’s 44-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. He followed that up with a 27-yard field goal later in the quarter, which capped off a 10-play drive and gave the Cyclones’ a six-point cushion. Konrardy displayed tremendous leg strength, accuracy and range, so it was a no-brainer for Coach Matt Campbell to call his number when the Cyclones needed him the most.

With under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the game tied at 13, Konrardy lined up and connected on a 54-yarder that gave Iowa State the lead for good. The crowd of 61,500 went crazy, as Konrardy celebrated with his teammates.

“It felt good when I hit it, but when I looked up, it wasn’t as pretty,” he said. “Just like last year, I’m not really thinking, I’m just focusing on my fundamentals, trying to get the ball through the uprights.”

Konrardy credits his clutch play to all of the hard work he put in the spring with teammates in the spring. Combating the wind is no problem for him either, as the holder often times tilts the ball more forward for his kicks to pierce through it. What’s more revealing is the fact that Konrardy didn’t even know his go-ahead field goal was from the same distance as last year’s game-winner against Iowa.

Campbell appreciates the value Konrardy brings to the team as a whole, and trusts him in the biggest moments. In Campbell’s eyes, Konrardy is more like a weapon on the gridiron.

“When you got that guy, you just believe in him,” Campbell said. “Obviously, Kyle has proven now over the course of his time here to be able to do that in a really powerful way for us.”

Konrardy’s performance was so noteworthy, that he was named the Big 12’s co-Special Teams Player of the Week for a second consecutive week. After all, he booted a 63-yard field goal in week one’s win over South Dakota, which set a school record, and was the second-longest in Big 12 history.

Now he’s riding a big wave of momentum as the Cyclones prepare for their final game before a bye-week. Konrardy is looking forward to kicking again, regardless of what situation Iowa State is in because he feels no pressure.

“It’s just another day in the office.”