(Ames) BYU remained undefeated after mounting a strong second-half comeback to defeat Iowa State 41–27 on Saturday.
The loss continues a tough stretch for the Cyclones, who once sat at 5–0 and ranked No. 14 nationally. Iowa State has now dropped three straight, with losses to Cincinnati, Colorado, and BYU.
It was truly a game of two halves. Iowa State dominated early, building a 17–7 first-quarter lead. Quarterback Rocco Becht connected with Brett Eskildsen for a touchdown, Carson Hansen capped a nine-play, 50-yard drive with a two-yard scoring run, and Kyle Konrardy added a 36-yard field goal. BYU’s lone first-quarter touchdown came on a five-play, 68-yard drive.
In the second quarter, BYU kicker Ferren nailed a 50-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 17–10, but Hansen responded with another Iowa State touchdown to stretch the margin to 24–10. The Cougars, however, seized the momentum before halftime, closing the gap with a 12-yard touchdown pass to make it 24–17 at the break.
Konrardy’s 43-yard field goal midway through the third quarter accounted for the Cyclones’ only second-half points, tying the game at 27–27. That score followed 10 unanswered points from BYU — a 27-yard Ferren field goal and a short rushing touchdown.
From there, BYU took control. The Cougars added a 27-yard touchdown strike and capped the win with a 40-yard interception return for a score, completing the rally and preserving their perfect season.
Despite the loss, Iowa State outgained BYU 495–410 in total offense, with 311 passing yards and 184 on the ground. BYU finished with 307 yards through the air and 103 rushing. One big difference in the game was Iowa State’s five turnovers. The Cougars had no turnovers.
With the defeat, Iowa State drops to 5–3 on the season, while BYU improves to 8–0.
