Iowa State Cyclones Dig Deep To Outlast Colorado Buffaloes In Gritty Triumph

In a thrilling Big 12 matchup, the Iowa State Cyclones battled back from a halftime deficit to defeat the Colorado Buffaloes 20-13 in a gritty triumph. After trailing 10-7 at the break, the Cyclones showed resilience and determination to secure the victory on the road.

Story of the Game

The Buffaloes controlled the pace early, holding the ball for much of the first half. Colorado’s offense, led by quarterback J.T. Shrout, capitalized on a Cyclones’ fumble to score a field goal on their opening drive. The Buffaloes extended their lead to 10-0 with a touchdown pass from Shrout to Daniel Arias in the second quarter.

Iowa State fought back with a touchdown of their own before halftime, as quarterback Hunter Dekkers connected with Xavier Hutchinson for a 34-yard score. The Cyclones’ defense also stepped up, intercepting Shrout twice in the first half.

The second half was a different story, as Iowa State took control of the game. Dekkers led a 66-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter, capped off by a two-yard run by Jirehl Brock. The Cyclones’ defense continued to shine, shutting down the Buffaloes’ offense.

Colorado had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but a field goal attempt sailed wide right. Iowa State capitalized on the miss, driving down the field and running out the clock to secure the victory.

Key Performances

Hunter Dekkers, Iowa State: The Cyclones’ quarterback played a pivotal role in the victory, completing 21 of 34 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Kendre Miller, Iowa State: The running back had a solid performance, carrying the ball 29 times for 104 yards.

J.T. Shrout, Colorado: Despite the loss, the Buffaloes’ quarterback had a decent outing, completing 25 of 45 passes for 258 yards and one touchdown.

Daniel Arias, Colorado: The wide receiver had a standout game, catching 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Perspective from Both Sides

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell: “I’m really proud of our team. We showed a lot of grit and determination to come back from behind and get the win. Our defense played a huge role, getting two interceptions and shutting down their offense in the second half.”

Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell: “We had a great first half, but we just couldn’t sustain it. We made some mistakes in the second half that cost us the game. We need to be more consistent on offense and defense.”

Analysis

Iowa State’s victory was a result of their strong second-half performance. The Cyclones’ offense was more efficient, while their defense clamped down on the Buffaloes. Colorado, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half, committing crucial mistakes that ultimately cost them the game.

The Cyclones’ resilience was particularly impressive, as they rallied from a halftime deficit to secure the victory. This win is a testament to their character and determination as a team.

Conclusion

Iowa State’s 20-13 victory over Colorado was a hard-fought triumph that showcased the Cyclones’ grit and determination. The win was a result of strong performances from Hunter Dekkers, Kendre Miller, and the entire defense. Colorado, despite a strong first half, made mistakes in the second half that ultimately cost them the game.

The Cyclones’ victory is a positive sign for the program, as they look to compete for a Big 12 championship in 2023. Colorado, on the other hand, will need to improve their consistency and avoid costly mistakes if they want to contend for a bowl game.