In a gritty, emotional Cy-Hawk showdown, Iowa State leaned on clutch performances from kicker Kyle Konrardy and defensive lineman Tamatoa McDonough to secure a 16–13 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes— the Cyclones’ first home victory in the rivalry since 2011.
Kyle Konrardy – Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Kyle Konrardy earned his second Big 12 Special Teams POTW award after nailing three field goals including the game-winning 54-yard kick with just 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. The same distance he hit from in to beat the Hawkeyes last year. The red-shirt sophomore accounted for 10 of Iowa State’s 16 points. Konrardy also connected from 44 and 27 yards.
Tamatoa McDonough – Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
On the defensive side, Tamatoa McDonough, a Yale transfer, made his mark in the game’s final moments. With Iowa driving and facing a chance to tie or win, McDonough recorded back-to-back sacks on quarterback Mark Gronowski, pushing the Hawkeyes into a fourth-and-15 they couldn’t convert. He finished the game with 5 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry, sealing the win and earning player of the week honors.
Iowa State Defensive Line – Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week
The entire Iowa State defensive line earned the Big 12 Defensive Line of the week. The Cyclones defensive line really stepped up against an Iowa Hawkeye offensive line that was widely regarded as one of the best in college football. Domonique Orange anchored down the interior of the line tallying six tackles while taking on multiple blockers. Tamatoa McDonough, Jace J. Gilbert, Zaimir Hawk, Alijah Carnell, Ikenna Ezeogu, Ka’Mori Moore, Myles Mendeszoon, and Vontroy Malone all played significant roles in helping Iowa State get its second Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week award.
