Following two 10-point losses to begin the season, Iowa State (1-2, 0-1 Big 12) knocked off Akron (2-1, 0-0 MAC) by a final score of 26-13.

The Zips capitalized on a Tarique Milton fumble and opened the scoring with a 26-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Iowa State responded on the next possession with a big return from redshirt sophomore Kene Nwangwu.

Quarterback Zeb Noland hit Hakeem Butler near the sideline, and Butler leapt into the end zone as he got hit to tie the game at 7-7.

After a field goal from each team, junior running back David Montgomery jumped over the top of the goal line to score before halftime. The Cyclones took a 17-10 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, both defenses showed up.

Akron nailed a 49-yard field goal to make the score 17-13 in favor of Iowa State, but the Cyclones responded with a 29-yard field goal of their own to extend the lead back to seven.

In the fourth quarter, Iowa State drove down the field and brought in freshman quarterback Brock Purdy. One handoff and one quarterback keeper later, Iowa State faced third-and-8. Coach Matt Campbell elected to bring Noland back in, but Noland’s pass was incomplete.

The Cyclones settled for a field goal to make it 23-13, and tacked on one more field goal in the final minute to hold on for the win.