COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 33 days

Each day leading up to Iowa State’s season opener against South Dakota State, Cyclone Fanatic will check another day off the calendar with a memorable statistic, player or game as part of our Countdown to Kickoff presented by Tailgate Clothing.

When Iowa State traveled to Stillwater on Oct. 14, 2000, the Cyclones were looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season following a 4-0 start. On the back of 290 yards passing from Sage Rosenfels and 500 yards of total offense, the Cyclones moved to 5-1 with a 33-26 win over Oklahoma State.

The game was tied at 23 with 12:32 left in the fourth quarter following a short field goal from lefty placekicker/punter Carl Gomez. On the ensuing Oklahoma State drive, one of the most bizarre plays you’ll ever see (20-second mark in the video below) transpired when an Oklahoma State receiver essentially option pitched the ball into the hands of the waiting Jamarcus Powers for a fumble recovery to halt the possession.

The Cyclones jumped in front with 8:15 left in the game on another field goal by Gomez then Oklahoma State pushed back to even the score at 26 with 2:41 left.

Following an Iowa State punt, the Cyclones’ defense held again, capping the Oklahoma State possession with an interception by Atif Austin, giving the Cyclones a shot to win the game in regulation.

After a 3rd and 10 scramble for a first down by Rosenfels, the senior quarterback connected with freshman Lane Danielsen on a slant for a 33-yard touchdown. The game-winning score was Danielsen’s only catch of the game.

The Cyclones went on to finish the season 9-3 in one of the greatest seasons in program history.