Iowa State Falls to Iowa in Cy-Hawk Thriller; UCF Opponents Shine in Week 2
Iowa State came up just short in a defensive slugfest against rival Iowa on Saturday, losing the Cy-Hawk Trophy in a 20-17 heartbreaker. The Cyclones held a lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Hawkeyes' kicker delivered the game-winning field goal in the closing minutes.
For Iowa football fans, the win was a statement. For UCF Knights fans, it was a glimpse at a future opponent with grit. The Knights are set to host Iowa State on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m., and Saturday's performance shows the Cyclones will be a tough test.
How the Cy-Hawk Game Played Out
The game was a defensive showcase from start to finish. Both teams combined for 10 three-and-outs, and each offense managed just one touchdown. That left the outcome in the hands of the kickers, and both delivered under pressure.
Iowa State's Kyle Konrardy nailed the longest field goal of the day, a 51-yarder. But Iowa's Caden Buhr connected on a game-tying kick in the fourth quarter and then sealed the win with a game-winner as time wound down.
Cyclone quarterback Jalen Raynor threw just 19 passes, completing 10 for 117 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Iowa State out-rushed the Hawkeyes 138-93, led by running back Aiden Flora. But it wasn't enough to overcome Iowa's late surge.
Georgia State Handles Business Ahead of UCF Matchup
Before the Knights face Iowa State, they'll host Georgia State this Saturday at 7 p.m. The Panthers took care of Kennesaw State 31-17 on Saturday, leaning on a dominant run game.
Lanear McCrary Jr. led Georgia State with 101 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Cameran Brown added 253 passing yards on 16-of-23 throwing, plus a rushing touchdown. The Panthers' defense also stepped up, with defensive back Deuce Lee picking off a pass to stop a Kennesaw State drive.
UCF will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season when the Panthers visit the Bounce House.
Oklahoma State Stuns No. 6 Oregon
Another future UCF opponent made noise this weekend. Oklahoma State rebounded from an opening-week loss to Tulsa by knocking off No. 6 Oregon, 39-31, in Stillwater.
Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw two interceptions that Oregon turned into touchdowns, but he made up for it with 317 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and 109 rushing yards with another score. Running back Caleb Hawkins added 110 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.
Oregon managed just 17 points outside of the interception returns and failed on all three fourth-down attempts in the second half. The Cowboys' defense held Oregon to three yards per carry, while Oklahoma State averaged 5.9 yards per rush.
The Knights travel to Stillwater to face the Cowboys on Oct. 10.
What This Means for UCF's Playoff Push
College football playoff selection isn't just about wins and losses. It's about the strength of your opponents. A team that looked like an easy win in the preseason could turn out to be a playoff contender by November.
Oklahoma State's upset of Oregon boosts the Cowboys' resume, which could help UCF if the Knights win that matchup. Georgia State's steady play shows they won't be a pushover. And Iowa State's narrow loss to a ranked Iowa team proves they can compete with anyone.
For UCF, every game matters. The Knights need to take care of business against Georgia State this Saturday, then keep building momentum before the tougher tests in October and November.
John Damon is a sports contributor for Just The News Iowa.