Oct 14, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) dives over the goal line in the second quarter for a touchdown against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
AMES — Note to fans who were rightfully concerned about a letdown following arguably the biggest win in Iowa State history last week: just relax. After a 30 minute delay due to lightning, the lowly Kansas Jayhawks were no match for the Cyclones (4-2, 2-1), who took care of business via a workmanlike 45-0 victory.
The game started in monsoon like conditions but as the rain slowed (and eventually stopped in the second quarter), Iowa State’s offense came to life.
Sophomore running back David Montgomery accounted for 68 yards on the ground but three touchdowns. Quarterback Kyle Kempt threw for 122 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-20 passing.
Highlights from today’s game: pic.twitter.com/rQhmpEfvf3
— Cyclone Football (@CycloneFB) October 14, 2017
The real story for Iowa State was on special teams and defense.
The route began when Trever Ryen housed a punt return for 68 yards with 1:30 to play in the first quarter.
On the back of Colin Downing’s 40.7 yards per punt (four inside of the 20), Iowa State’s average field position on the day was on its own 47 yardline compared to Kansas, whose average was its own 24. The Jayhawks, who turned it over twice, only accounted for 106 yards of total offense in the game. Kansas was 1-for-16 on third-down conversions. Kansas averaged 1.8 yards per play.
Senior linebacker Joel Lanning led the way defensively for the Cyclones with 10 tackles. It marked his third double-digit tackle day on the season. Meanwhile, Kamari Cotton-Moya recorded his third interception of the season early in the first quarter.
Iowa State’s last shutout was two years ago via a 24-0 victory over Texas.
Iowa State’s next opponent (Saturday, 11 a.m. on FS1), Texas Tech, lost at West Virginia 46-35.
Check out Cyclone Fanatic later tonight for more coverage of today’s win.
