What's Happening?
The Iowa State Cyclones football team narrowly defeated Arkansas State with a 24-16 victory on September 13, 2025. Despite being the 14th-ranked team and entering the game as a 21-point favorite, the Cyclones faced significant challenges throughout the match. Iowa State's quarterback, Rocco Becht, played a crucial role by scoring both a passing and a rushing touchdown. However, the team struggled with precision and detail, leading to several mistakes, including missed kicks by standout walk-on kicker Kyle Konrardy and a roughing the punter penalty. These errors allowed Arkansas State to take a temporary lead. The Cyclones managed to regain control with a touchdown pass from Becht to Dominic Overby just before halftime, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Despite further challenges, including an interception thrown by Becht, the Cyclones secured their victory with a late touchdown run by Abu Sama.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Iowa State as it maintains their undefeated record at 4-0, reinforcing their position as a strong contender in college football. The game highlighted the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity, which is crucial for their confidence and performance in future matches. The Cyclones' ability to win despite errors suggests potential for growth and improvement, which could impact their standing in the Big XII Conference. The performance of key players like Rocco Becht and Xavier Townsend also indicates promising talent that could influence the team's success in upcoming games. However, the game also exposed areas needing improvement, such as special teams and discipline, which could be critical in more competitive matchups.
What's Next?
Iowa State will enter a bye week, providing an opportunity to address the issues highlighted in the game against Arkansas State. The team plans to use this time to focus on physical and strategic improvements in preparation for their next game against Arizona on September 27. The coaching staff, led by Matt Campbell, aims to maintain the team's momentum while refining their gameplay to avoid similar mistakes in future matches. The health of key players, such as kicker Kyle Konrardy and tight end Gabe Burkle, will also be monitored to ensure they are fit for the upcoming challenges.
