Gut-punch loss

AMES — Ouch. 

After a downright ugly 34-14 season-opening loss to North Dakota State in week one, Iowa State trailed Kansas State 13-0 early on Saturday only to rally and score 28 unanswered points.

That wasn’t enough.

In a game that was eerily similar to last season’s loss to Texas, Kansas State tacked on a late first half touchdown. The Wildcats trailed Iowa State by eight at the half andultimatelyhanded the Cyclones a 32-28 loss. 

The game featured plenty ofcontroversy. 

Late in the first half, Iowa State walk-on Anthony Lazard was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the sideline. From there, Kansas State quarterback Jake Waters hit Tyler Lockett on the one-yard line in a play that was not reviewed.

According to the Des Moines Register’s Randy Peterson, Fox Sports 1 officiating analyst Mike Pereira said of the call, "Beyond me how the replay official didn’t stop this."

Kansas State punched one in from there and the momentum had clearly turned heading into the half. 

For the second game in a row, Iowa State’s offense was shut out in the second half. 

The Cyclones had multiple opportunities to put Kansas State away late in the game and the Wildcats made plays. Iowa State didn’t. 

Iowa State dropped to 0-2. Kansas State improved to 2-0. 

Senior wide receiver Jarvis West was Iowa State’s MVP. West caught eight passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to freshman Allen Lazard, who had three catches for 42 yards on the day. West also returned a punt for 82 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. 

Senior linebacker Jevohn Miller led the Cyclones defensively with 11 tackles on the day in what was the best game of his career. Robby Garcia and Cory Morrissey each had sacks for the Cyclones. 

Kansas State quarterback Jake Waters threw for 239 yards while running for 143 and two touchdowns on the day. 

Up next for the Cyclones is a road trip to Iowa City next week. Iowa State and Iowa will kick off at 2:30. 

Check out CycloneFanatic.com later today for more coverage on this game.