COLUMBIA, Mo. -For 46 minutes, Iowa State played its best football game of the season, maybe the best in years. Everything was clicking. The offensive line was creating holes big enough to fly a Boeing through.

Greg Coleman was running with authority, eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the first time. Ryan Kock was attacking the goal line like a steak at Hickory Park, and the defense – incredible.

The Cyclone defenders gave up only 128 yards in that time frame, forced three turnovers and contained the electric Brad Smith to 84 yards of total offense (he was third in the nation averaging 340 yards per game.) Tim Dobbins finally ended Smith’s afternoon after impaling him into submission with eight minutes left in regulation.

But the most telling statistic in that period of time was time of possession. Iowa State won that battle 32 minutes to 14 – a number so mind-boggling, even those in Atanasoff Hall can’t compute it. Funny thing is, football games aren’t 46 minutes long.

What I neglected to mention was the Cyclones dug themselves a massive hole. The ISU offense scored the most points it has in a quarter this season; unfortunately, it was for the wrong team.

Remarkably, the Cyclones weren’t buried alive.

They fought back and led 24-14 with eight minutes left in the game. Brad Smith was relegated to pondering why there are so many Steak ‘n Shakes in Missouri. The Cyclone defenders were circling the hemorrhaging Tigers, and the Mizzou fans were flooding out of the gates, carrying coach Gary Pinkel’s pink slip in hand. Thoughts of a Big 12 North title were alive for Iowa State.

Then Chase Daniel appeared. Daniel, a true freshman from Texas, apparently decided to channel the ghosts of Roy Hobbs, Rudy and Jonathan Moxon into one. Daniel pass complete to Brad Ekwerekwu for 13 yards to the MU 38.

First down MU.

Daniel pass complete to Coffman for 25 yards to the ISU 34. Daniel pass complete to Coffey for 10 yards to the ISU 5. Crossett field goal attempt from 19 good, ISU 24 MU 17. It’s a good thing Daniel didn’t play all game – Iowa State may have been in trouble.

Blankenship punted 49 yards to the MU 12. 88 yards and we’re tied. Daniel pass complete to Coffey for 20 yards to the MU 33. Now would be a good time to stop him. Penalty ISU pass interference. Find me some Tums.

Daniel pass complete to Franklin for 14 yards to the ISU 21. Daniel pass complete to Coffey for 17 yards to the ISU 4. Daniel pass complete to Coffey for 4 yards, touchdown, clock 0:20. ISU 24, MU 24. Yep, overtime happened. The ending is self-explanatory considering the Cyclones are now 0-4 all-time in OTs.

– Brent Blum is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale.