Iowa State trails No. 6 Kansas State 14-17 at halftime from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.

In his second start of the season, quarterback Jared Barnett did not have the same success as last weekend’s victory against TCU.

Barnett led the Cyclones to a quick punt after going 2-4 for 24 yards. The Cyclones had the ball for only 1:20 in their first drive.

Kansas State answered with a 14-play, 73-yard drive that resulted in the first score of the game. The Wildcats took an early, small lead 3-0. 

The Cyclones continued to struggle on offense, going three-and-out and giving the ball back to Kansas State almost immediately after the Wildcats’ field goal. 

Momentum would quickly swing in favor for the Cyclones. The ISU defense would hold the Wildcats on third down after a false start.

On the ensuing drive that went into just seconds of the second quarter, the Cyclones were able to drive for a score using three running backs and a short pass to running back Shontrelle Johnson.

The Wildcats would make an imposing drive against the ISU defense, chipping away with five or six yards at a time. The Wildcats would eventually score a touchdown with 8:18 left in the first half. 

Penalties plagued the Kansas State offense throughout the first half. The Wildcats came into the game with only nine penalties. The committed four penalties for 35 yards in the first half. 

After a quick exchange of turnovers from Kansas State (after a bobbled fair catch) and and interception at the goal line from Barnett, the Cyclones held the Wildcats to a three-and-out.

With 4:37 left in the half, the Cyclones took over in Wildcat territory and drove for another touchdown after a 30-yard connection from Barnett to Ernest Brun. 

With 2:19 left in the half, the Wildcats marched quickly down the field with a couple of high-yardage pass plays, putting the Wildcats ahead just before the half, 17-14.