ISU coach Dan McCarney didn’t try to hide the facts leading up to the Cyclones season opener against Toledo.

He told everyone within shouting distance that the Rockets were a good team that would give his ISU squad everything they could handle.

He was right.

Toledo picked Iowa State’s inexperienced defense apart, driving up and down the field almost at will, taking the Cyclones to triple overtime before falling to Iowa State, 45-43.

Toledo scored in the third overtime to make the score 45-43, but Chris Hopkins dropped the two-point conversion pass, giving Iowa State the win.

ISU junior Todd Blythe hauled in a spectacular one-handed touchdown in the final overtime for what would prove to be the game-winning score.

“There were lots of great efforts and lots and lots of mistakes on our part,” McCarney said. “But Toledo had a lot to do with that. That’s an experienced, confident football team.

“It’s great to be 1-0 right now. It’s a lot easier going in and correcting those mistakes after a victory, and we have a lot of those to correct. I just hope and pray we can be one of the most improved teams between now and UNLV [next week].”

ISU quarterback Bret Meyer found Blythe for touchdowns in both the second and third overtimes, hitting him with scoring plays of 30 and 25 yards respectively. The scoring grabs were Nos. 19 and 20 for Blythe in his career, padding his school record for career touchdown receptions.

This was the first triple-overtime game ever for the Cyclones as well as their first-ever overtime win.

Iowa State’s offense moved the ball all game, but struggled finding the end zone. But with the game on the line, Meyer led three overtime scoring drives.

“We have the potential to do that [score easily] every game,” receiver Jon Davis said. “It took us a little longer to get going this time but we were pleased with our finish and glad to get the victory.”

Toledo quarterback Clint Cochran threw for 313 yards in regulation alone, hitting his favorite target Hopkins 12 times for 114 yards and two scores in that span. The two connected again in the first overtime on a 25-yard strike.

Cochran ended the game with 370 yards and three touchdowns.

Iowa State also had success with its offense.

Meyer was efficient, mixing passes with runs of his own. Meyer scored three touchdowns rushing, gaining 68 yards on the ground. He also threw for 238 yards and two scores.

Running back Stevie Hicks showed he was healthy, gaining a quiet 92 yards on 23 carries.

Both teams traded scores, with the Iowa State’s largest lead reaching only 12 points.

Meyer started the scoring with a six-yard run in the first quarter, and the Cyclones added another touchdown in the second on Stevie Hicks’ run.

Meyer found the end zone again with his feet early in the third, scoring from 18 yards out. The touchdown run marked the first time in his career Meyer had rushed for multiple scores in the same game.

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