The Cyclones’ defense played a well-rounded game, featuring an elite first half and a few big-time stops in the second half to pick up a 38-14 win on senior day.
Iowa State held Kansas to 323 yards on Saturday, marking the third-lowest amount the defense has given up this season and the lowest since the Cyclones beat Iowa. The Cyclones completely controlled the Jayhawks in the first half, holding them to just 94 yards over the course of four drives.
“Hats off to Coach Broomfield and Coach Poe [Hank Poteat], I mean, they’ve done an unbelievable job preparing our guys to get ready,” Head Coach Matt Campbell said. “I thought Coach Heacock did a great job again today.”
The Jayhawks picked up 25 of those yards in desperation time, starting the drive with a little over a minute to play and a 24 point deficit. If those garbage-time yards were not picked up, it would have been just the third time this season that the Cyclones held an opponent to under 300 yards.
Additionally, it was the first time this season that the Cyclones held an opponent to zero points in the first half. Kansas only picked up six first downs in the first half, compared to the Cyclones’ 14.
It is important to note once again the amount of players hurt for the Cyclones and not playing. Senior defensive back Jeremiah Cooper and redshirt junior Jontez Williams have missed most of the year with season-ending injuries and junior defensive back Jamison Patton has now been out two games in a row. A few other defensive backs were sidelined as well.
“Then you flip to the young pups that are playing on defense, like man again, I think it’s been a mantra of our program, it doesn’t matter what position group, the next man is up and you’ve got to keep playing,” Campbell said. “We really work hard here as coaches to develop all of our players, not just our top players, but all of our football players.”
One of those guys who has excelled this season has been sophomore defensive back Marcus Neal Jr. With 70 tackles on the season, Neal leads the Cyclones, and that includes 37 solo tackles, also a team high.
“Marcus Neal has kind of been the centerpiece the whole time,” Campbell said. “It’s great to have his communication leadership there. You have the three linebackers that play a lot of football and their ability to communicate and help those young guys out.”
Neal finished with five tackles against Kansas, but his biggest play came with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Jayhawks driving with the Cyclones leading 31-14. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels threw a pass towards the endzone, but Neal was in prime position to intercept the pass and bring it back 18 yards.
“You know, we were talking about getting a stop, going out there and getting a turnover to change the game,” Neal said. “It was a pretty important play, and we went and made it happen.”
Following the interception by Neal, the Cyclones took their time marching down the field to put the game on ice. On a fourth and six with just over a minute left to play, redshirt freshman running back Aiden Flora took a carry 38 yards for a touchdown.
“I mean, I think the answer there is just not flinching,” sophomore wide receiver Brett Eskildsen said. “We got the defenses back and they got our back. They’re gonna have good plays where you have to bounce back from it.”
With just one regular-season game left on the schedule, Campbell and his squad have dealt with all the punches thrown at them in terms of injuries and tough outcomes. The message Campbell has given his team is to take advantage of the moments.
“It’s college football. I’ve always said it’s about your opportunity, and when you get it, are you gonna be ready and take advantage of it?” Campbell said.
