DEKALB, Ill. — Iowa State outgained its opponent for the fourth time in four games this year.

But the Cyclones lost for the second consecutive time, unable to turn a blocked punt into points and getting just three points out of two other turnovers.

In contrast, both of ISU quarterback Austin Flynn’s interceptions became Huskie touchdowns in Saturday’s 24-16 loss.

“We had our chances,” said ISU head coach Dan McCarney.

The Cyclone offense ground to a halt as it neared the Huskie goal line.

An interception. A false start. Three passes dropped in the end zone. A missed field goal. Combined, the miscues meant Iowa State could muster only 16 points out of its 355 net yards.

“We just didn’t finish it off,” said tailback Michael Wagner. “It’s rough to take.”

Flynn’s first interception came with Iowa State leading 7-0 and driving. Defensive end Vinson Reynolds picked off a screen pass and ran back 65 yards to the ISU 13-yard line.

“That was a 14-point swing,” Flynn said. “That’s the difference in the game. That’s a throw I could have made, should have made, I’ve got to make.”

Meanwhile, the ISU defense held Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Turner from making any big plays — the longest of Turner’s 30 carries gathered 17 yards. The Huskies gained only 334 yards.

But in the fourth quarter — when the Cyclones needed stops on two four-minute drives when the Huskies took the lead with a field goal and secured victory with a touchdown — the defense could not win the game for Iowa State.

“That’s a credit to the Northern Illinois offense, their offensive line, Turner,” McCarney said.

McCarney said he wanted his team to learn from the Huskies’ comeback.

“That’s a good example to my football team and my offense that this is how you close games when it’s all on the line,” he said. “They continued to play with great confidence … It’s a really complete football team.”