Sep 15, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Justin Broiles (25) looks to tackle Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Deshaunte Jones (8) at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
AMES — Totally different. That’s simple, but probably the best way to describe game one vs. game two for Iowa State in the 2018 football season.
Last week’s 13-3 loss to Iowa was an absolute slugfest.
On Saturday afternoon, No. 5 Oklahoma’s offense was as good as advertised and proved it by racking up 519 yards in a 37-27 victory over Iowa State. This one was a track meet.
Despite an 0-2 start to the season, here’s the good news: Iowa State’s offense finally came to life. Sophomore quarterback Zeb Noland got the start (Kyle Kempt was ruled out with a knee injury) and was fantastic, throwing for 360 yards on 25-of-36 passing for two touchdowns.
“My pride today comes from there was a lot of growth,” head coach Matt Campbell told the Cyclone Radio Network after the game. “The reality of it was that there is still a lot of room to go if we want to play championship football in Ames, Iowa. We will play championship football in Ames, Iowa.”
The bad news: Against maybe the best offense in the country, Iowa State’s defense missed a handful of tackles and was clearly out-matched by the speedy Sooners. Oklahoma averaged 7.6 yards per play and was 5-for-5 in the red zone.
Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray proved that he is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. In the first road start of his career, Murray went 21-for-29 for 348 yards, three touchdowns and 77 rushing yards too.
You will probably see Hakeem Butler on Sports Center tonight. Iowa State’s sophomore wide receiver caught two touchdown passes in the loss. Both were impressive physically.
POLL: OU tops Iowa State 37-27. Vote on our @AmesEyeClinic Eye Catching Player of the Game. #Cyclones
— CycloneFanatic.com (@cyclonefanatic) September 15, 2018
David Montgomery got back on track by running for 82 yards and a touchdown on 3.9 yards per carry.
Sophomore safety Greg Eisworth led Iowa State in tackles with 14, while also forcing an OU fumble.
Up next for the Cyclones is a bout vs. Akron next Saturday with another 11 a.m. kick that will be seen on FOX Sports Net. The Zips are currently 1-0 with a 41-7 victory over Morgan State to its name. Akron, like Iowa State, lost its first game of the season vs. Nebraska due to lightning.
