(Jonesboro, AR) — Iowa St. did not have an easy trip to Arkansas but will head home with a hard fought 24-16 win over Arkansas St. on Saturday afternoon.
In reality, the Red Wolves only had a lead for 28 seconds of game time but they hung around the entire day. The Cyclones scored a touchdown late in the 4th quarter to put the game away after Arkansas St. had cut the lead to 17-16.
In the first half, Jared Raynor’s 3 yard TD run gave the Red Wolves a 10-9 lead but the Cyclones answered quickly as Rocco Becht hit Dominic Overby for a 27 yard TD pass and a 2 point conversion pass to Carson Hansen gave ISU a 17-10 halftime lead.
Arkansas St. had a nice drive going early in the third quarter and moved into the red zone. Raynor would throw towards the end zone but the receiver caught the ball out of bounds and the Wolves had to settle for a 35 yard field goal to cut the lead to 17-13.
Both teams went 3 and out on their next possessions and when the Cyclones got the ball, Abu Sama set up ISU with a 44 yard run but Becht was intercepted just outside the red zone after it was deflected off of TE Ben Brahmer.
The Wolves moved into Iowa St. territory but had two touchdowns wiped out because of penalties and once again settled for a 40 yard field goal and ISU’s lead was just one — 17-16.
With 8:34 left in the game, ISU went to the air and Becht hit Xavier Townsend on a 44 yard pass. That would set up Sama’s 4 yard TD run and the lead went to 8 — 24-16.
There was still 7:51 left but Raynor tried the deep ball and Tre Ball picked him off. The Cyclones could not capitalize after a Sama TD run was wiped out on a holding call and ISU punted back to Ark State. The Wolves couldn’t move the ball and a 4th and 5 pass was incomplete with 3:52 left. Iowa St. ran out the clock to preserve the win.
Iowa St. kicker Kyle Konrardy missed an extra point and a field goal in the first half and then got injured and did not return. Tight End Gabe Burkle was a late scratch and did not dress for the game — according to the ESPN2 broadcast he suffered a groin injury during practice. Iowa St. will have a bye next Saturday, they open the Big 12 season on September 27 hosting Arizona, kick TBA.
Iowa St. Stats
Rocco Becht 14-25 passing, 265 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; TD run
Carson Hansen 18 carries, 116 yards; 1 reception, 14 yards
Abu Sama III 9 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD
Xavier Townsend 3 catches, 92 yards
Tyler Moore 2 catches, 58 yards
Marcus Neal 7 tackles, 1 TFL
Ikenna Ezeogu 1 sack
Jace Gilbert 1 sack
Will McLaughlin 2 tackles
Tre Bell 1 interception
