The Cyclones out gained the Hawkeyes 325 yards to 244, had seven more first downs, held the ball for more than 20 of the 30 minutes of the second half — and lost. The reason? Missed opportunities.

First missed field goal

The situation: Iowa 3 Iowa State 0; 1st Quarter (2:00)- 4th and 6, ball on Iowa 21

What happened: Freshman kicker Grant Mahoney lined up for a 38-yard field goal with a chance to tie the game. The snap hit the ground and Mahoney pulled the kick wide left.

Why it mattered: Besides missing a chance to tie the game early, the missed field goal set the tone for Iowa State’s kicking game. Mahoney went just 1-of-4, missing attempts of 38, 21 and 46 yards.

Austen Arnaud throws an interception

The situation: Iowa 3 Iowa State 0 – 3rd Quarter (7:38)- 3rd and 9, ball on Iowa 20

What happened: With the Cyclones in field goal range, Arnaud was pressured, rolled to his left, and lofted an ill-advised pass intended for freshman Darius Darks into double coverage. The pass was picked off by Tyler Sash in the end zone.

Why it mattered: Getting at least three points on the drive would have tied the game. To come away empty after a 60-yard drive was  frustrating for the Cyclones, who struggled all day in the redzone.

Pass to Collin Franklin broken up

The situation: Iowa 3 Iowa State 0 – 3rd Quarter (Under 6:00) – 2nd and 5, ball on Iowa 8

What happened: Phillip Bates threw a pass into the back of Iowa’s end zone towards tight end Collin Franklin. Franklin seemingly had the ball in his hands for a touchdown, but Iowa safety Troy Johnson slapped the ball from his grasp.

Why it matters: Touchdowns avoided the          Cyclones all day, and Franklin had their best chance. Johnson made a great play to knock the ball free, but a touchdown could have given the Cyclones a lead on the road.

Bates is one yard shy

The situation: Iowa 3 Iowa State 0 – 3rd Quarter (3:19) – 3rd and 5, ball on Iowa 8

What happened: Immediately following the Franklin play, Bates rolled wide to his left and surveyed the field. With no receivers open, he pulled the ball down and tried to run for the first down but stepped out of bounds just short of the first down.

Why it mattered: Again the Cyclones failed to score a touchdown, and worse yet, came away without any points.

Cyclones’ last chance

The situation: Iowa 17 Iowa State 3 – 4th Quarter (4:00) – 1st and goal, ball on Iowa 5

What happened: Again the Cyclones stalled. First an incomplete pass, then a 4-yard gain to the 1-yard line, but on third down Alexander Robinson was stopped for a 3-yard loss on a run up the middle. Arnaud’s last attempt, a fade to Houston Jones, sailed out of the end zone.

Why it mattered: If the Cyclones could have at least scored they would have had a chance to recover an onside kick. Instead, symbolic of the Cyclones redzone struggles, the game was effectively over.