(Ames) Louisiana rallied in the second half to defeat Iowa State 31-14 in the season opener in Ames on Saturday. Iowa State led 14-7 at the half, but couldn’t muster a score in the third and fourth quarters and was outscored 21-0.
Iowa State Head Coach Matt Campbell gives Louisiana credit.
Two of Louisiana’s scores came on returns, and those were game-changers. Chris Hall scored on a 95-yard kick-off return in the second quarter, and Eric Garror reached the end zone on an 83-yard punt return early in the fourth quarter.
Iowa State’s Offense stagnated in the second half, and Campbell credits Louisiana for slowing down the running game.
Despite the loss, Campbell doesn’t question his player’s attitude and effort. His says from his standpoint, one question comes to mind, did we have them ready to play, and fundamentals?
The Cyclones scored on runs of one and 11-yards in the first half, but only managed 303 total yards of offense on 71 plays. ISU quarterback Brock Purdy went 16/35 in the air for 145 yards. Iowa State held Louisiana to 272 yards of total offense.
