What's Happening?
Rocco Becht, the quarterback for Iowa State, delivered an impressive performance by throwing for 265 yards and achieving both passing and rushing touchdowns, leading his team to a 24-16 victory over Arkansas State. This win marks Iowa State's fourth consecutive victory this season, maintaining their undefeated status. Becht's performance was highlighted by a 27-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Overby and a successful two-point conversion pass to Carson Hansen, which secured a 17-10 lead at halftime. This game also marked Becht's 22nd consecutive game with a scoring pass, setting a new program record for Iowa State. Despite a strong effort from Arkansas State, including 222 passing yards and 83 rushing yards from Jaylen Raynor, penalties hindered their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Why It's Important?
The victory solidifies Iowa State's position as a formidable team in college football, potentially impacting their ranking in the AP Top 25. Becht's record-setting performance underscores his importance to the team and highlights his potential as a key player in the season. For Arkansas State, the game reflects ongoing challenges in defeating ranked teams, as they have not won against a ranked opponent since 2016. The penalties that affected Arkansas State's scoring opportunities highlight the critical role of discipline and execution in competitive sports. This game also emphasizes the fragility of winning, as noted by Arkansas State's coach, Butch Jones, who pointed out that games can be decided by a few pivotal plays.
What's Next?
Iowa State will have a break before facing Arizona in their next game, providing them with an opportunity to rest and strategize. Arkansas State is set to play against Kennesaw State, where they will aim to address the issues that led to their defeat and improve their performance. The outcome of these upcoming games could further influence team standings and player morale as the season progresses.
