FOOTBALL: Cyclones round up Army in final non-conference game

Shane Lucas

The Iowa State football team wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a 31-10 win over Army Saturday night at Jack Trice Stadium.

The Cyclones (3-1) rushed for 201 yards against an Army (2-2) defense that had only allowed 231 yards on the ground all season.

Alexander Robinson rushed for 132 yards and one touchdown in addition to 51 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his third straight game with 100+ rush yards. The last Cyclone to run for 100+ yards in three straight games was Ennis Haywood in 2000.

“I think he’s got a chance in this system and with what his physical attributes are to be a very good back,” said head coach Paul Rhoads.

The first quarter saw just two field goals between the teams. Grant Mahoney hit a 50-yarder with 2:22 left in the quarter to answer Army’s 32-yarder minutes before.

In the second quarter, a 44-yard punt return by freshman receiver Josh Lenz set up Robinson’s first touchdown, giving the Cyclones a 10-3 lead. Robinson then broke off a 68-yard touchdown run on the next Iowa State possession to put the Cyclones up 17-3.

In the closing seconds of the first half, Army’s 6’10″ wide receiver Ali Villanueva scored their only touchdown when he grabbed a five-yard Chip Bowden pass over 5’9″ Iowa State cornerback Kenard Banks.

“He was a big ‘ole dude,” Banks said.

Banks held Villanueva in check on two straight plays, but wasn’t able to prevent the touchdown with 13 seconds on the clock. Villanueva finished the game with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.

“On that last time I probably could have played it a little better but he got that one,” Banks said.

Army was threatening late in the third quarter but a Leonard Johnson interception in the end zone ended the drive and put Iowa State in control for the rest of the game.

“Our football team grew up this week and they grew up tonight,” Rhoads said. “It’s very encouraging to see that they understand the importance of hard work and preparation.”

Senior defensive end Rashawn Parker left the game in the first quarter with a left knee injury. He will be re-evaluated Sunday to determine the extent of the injury.

The Cyclones will open their Big 12 schedule next Saturday when they take on Kansas State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 2 p.m.