Iowa State’s Dynamic Duo Pushes Them Past Texas Tech
Brocktober is real. No matter if you are a believer or not, there is just something about Iowa State and the month of October. Dating back to the 2017 season, the Cyclones entered the day 9-0 in the month of October under head coach Matt Campbell. Meanwhile, Texas Tech is fresh off their messy situation down in Waco as the Big 12 vs Kirby Hocutt headline was the hot topic of conversation all week long heading into this weekend. A few days and $25,000 later, Texas Tech was set to host the red-hot Cyclones. The winner will likely stay in the Big 12 title hunt while the loser will have a long, tough road ahead if they want a sniff at a conference title.
After a missed field goal by Iowa State kicker Brayden Narveson on their first drive, the Cyclones got going offensively by stringing together three straight touchdown drives. All three scores came from quarterback Brock Purdy’s passes that want to tight end Charlie Kolar and wide out La’Michael Pettway. Also, with the defense shutting down the Red Raider offense, Iowa State suddenly was up 20-0 early in the second quarter. Of course, the only bad part for the Cyclones was that another kicker missed a kick when Connor Assalley missed a point after attempt.
After going scoreless for most of the first half, the Red Raiders finally got on the board thanks to an eleven-play drive that resulted in a SaRodorick Thompson touchdown run to pull Texas Tech within thirteen. After yet another missed field goal by Cyclone kicker Brayden Narveson, the first half would end with the Cyclones leading 20-13. In the first half alone, Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy had 308 yards passing along with three passing scores.
After a strong first half passing game, it was the running game that really got going for the Cyclones in the second half. On their first play of the second half, Iowa State freshman running back Breece Hall took it 75-yards to the house to put the Cyclones up 27-10. The two teams would trade punts before Tech once again put together a beautiful long sixteen-play drive that was capped off by another SaRodorick Thompson touchdown run to make it a 27-17 game heading into the fourth quarter.
Things slowed down early in the fourth quarter, but Iowa State seemed to have put the final nail in the coffin as Breece Hall scored his second rushing touchdown of the day to help put his team up 34-17 with about six minutes left to play. Tech would score again late when Jett Duffey found T.J. Vasher for a touchdown, but it was too little too late as the Cyclones continue their Brocktober tour finishing this one with a 34-24 win in Lubbock.
While the Cyclones continue to stay hot in October, their kicking game could certainly use some work. But Quarterback Brock Purdy had himself a day along with true freshman running back Breece Hall who finished the afternoon with 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Iowa State remains in the hunt for a Big 12 title as they improved to 5-2 on the year and will host the Oklahoma State Cowboys next weekend.
Meanwhile, it was a tough day for Texas Tech. They moved the ball well at times, but it was either boom or bust for the offense. If it wasn’t a long ten-plus play drive, it seemed liked they were punting quickly. The defense struggled just about all game long and this team couldn’t overcome the big first half deficit being down 20-0 at one point. While the effort is still there, the wins may not be as Texas Tech falls to 3-4 on the season. Next weekend could be a big bounce back game for the Red Raiders as they take on Kansas on the road.
**We now have FREE Big 12 Forums here at Heartland College Sports. Go sign up here and join our conversation! **
