AMES — Iowa State hosted its first game of the 2024 season against North Dakota on Saturday, where the Cyclones looked to start their season on the right foot against a tough Fighting Hawks squad.
While it may not have been perfect, along with the plethora of injuries that Iowa State sustained, the Cyclones fought their way to a 21-3 victory over North Dakota to start the season 1-0.
Talking about the injuries sustained during the game, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell knew coming into the game that his team was not fully healthy and knew the possibility of having to replace key players out on the field Saturday.
“We’ve got a laundry list of guys who came out of camp that just had bumps, bruises and were just dinged up,” Campbell said.
Perhaps the biggest injury to come out of Saturday’s win over the Fighting Hawks came from linebacker Caleb Bacon, who injured his left knee during a punt and had to be helped off the field.
Along with Bacon, running back Abu Sama III and defensive end Trent Jones II suffered injuries during this game but were able to come off the field under their own power with minor signs of a potentially big injury.
But with the injuries came an opportunity for other players to step up and make a big play which is what came from the Cyclones season-opening win on Saturday.
Players like linebackers Jacob Ellis and John Klosterman, along with the new transfer defensive end Kenard Snyder stepped up and contributed to the Iowa State defense holding the North Dakota offense to only three points on the day.
“I think it’s huge,” defensive back Beau Freyler said. “When their time is called and they make those plays in the moment is huge. Especially building the confidence in those younger guys as well.”
Freyler had a big game, where he collected eight total tackles along with an interception, the fifth of his collegiate career. But with Freyler being named one of the permanent captains for the 2024 season, he looked forward to seeing the backups and new players make a big impact which is what occurred Saturday.
Snyder, the University of Louisiana at Monroe transfer, collected his first sack with the Cyclones in the waning moments of the first half where he wrapped up the Fighting Hawks quarterback Simon Romfo for an eight-yard loss to end the half on a good note.
“Everybody is excited for [Snyder]. I’m happy for him to get his first sack, so we’re excited for the season he’s going to have,” defensive end Tyler Onyedim said.
Along with the new guys stepping up, another player made his impact felt on the defensive end in defensive back Jontez Williams, who led Iowa State in total tackles and was tied for the top in solo tackles and pass breakups.
“[Williams] is an elite performer,” Campbell said. “I think the consistency he has when he comes to work every day allows him to have great confidence and that’s how I feel like he played today.”
With the absence of long-time Cyclone T.J. Tampa, Williams stepped up in his place and contributed to the 18-point win on Saturday.
