Updated at 12:15 a.m. CST Dec. 29

SHREVEPORT, La. — It was a storybook ending to cornerback Ellis Hobbs’ career — with 28 seconds left in the Independence Bowl, the senior captain intercepted a Josh Betts pass at the ISU 48-yard line and returned it 41 yards, ensuring the Cyclones a 17-13 victory over Miami of Ohio.

“It’s as fitting as it gets,” ISU head coach Dan McCarney said.

The win is only Iowa State’s second bowl victory in school history, giving it a 7-5 record – a five-game improvement over 2003’s 2-10 mark.

“There are only going to be 28 bowl champs at the end of the season, and we wanted to be one of them,” McCarney said. “We were in some holes earlier this year, but we came through it. We’re just so proud to win this game.”

A crowd of 32,145 watched as the ISU offense run away from Miami defense. The Cyclones racked up 295 rushing yards, led by sophomore tailback Stevie Hicks with 159 yards on 27 carries. Also in the running mix was freshman quarterback Bret Meyer, who gained 122 yards on the ground on 23 carries.

“We just wanted to do whatever it took for us to win this game,” Meyer said. “Our backs stayed patient and waited for the line to make their blocks, and our guys up front opened things up.

“We wanted to get their linebackers to flow one way while we went the other way. I can’t say how well our offensive line played tonight.”

The ISU offense struck first after senior Todd Miller returned a punt 35 yards to the Miami 34-yard line — the longest punt return of the year for the Cyclones.

Seven plays later, Hicks ran the ball in from the 4, giving Iowa State a 7-0 advantage.

Kicker Bret Culbertson added to the lead when he nailed a 23-yard field goal with 10:55 remaining in the second quarter.

Late in the first half, Miami quarterback Josh Betts connected with Luke Clemens on a 28-yard touchdown pass.

Iowa State took a 10-7 advantage into the half, but the momentum was with Miami.

The RedHawks scored on their first possession of the half on a 2-yard Mike Smith run, capping an 80-yard drive. Tim Dobbins blocked the extra point, keeping Miami’s lead to 13-10.

Late in the third quarter on third down, Meyer hit a wide-open Jon Davis at the Miami 15, but Davis couldn’t hold on.

Iowa State regained the lead with early in the fourth quarter after Meyer rushed for 23 yards down to the 1. Fullback Ryan Kock capped the drive a play later with a 1-yard run.

Kock only had three carries on the season, all coming in this game; one resulted in a touchdown and the other in a first down.

The ISU defense was led by defensive MVP Nik Moser. The strong safety had 10 tackles on the night.

Hobbs said his game-saving interception was all mental.

“I visualized jumping in and getting on the ball,” Hobbs said. “We wanted to keep them from working the field and when I saw the ball coming, I said, ‘Don’t drop it.'”

The win in the Independence Bowl will help ease the memories of Iowa State’s last trip to Shreveport, a 14-13 loss to Alabama in 2001.

“We have come a long way since the start of this season and our kids were never denied,” McCarney said. “This is definitely a great start to the 2005 season.”