Ames: A Last-Minute Thriller for Iowa State Football Fans
On a chilly Saturday night in Ames, the crowd erupted as the No. 9 Iowa State Cyclones pulled off an electrifying 38–35 victory over UCF, keeping their undefeated streak alive at 7–0. If you weren’t in the stands or glued to a screen, you missed a nail-biter that had fans on the edge of their seats right up until the last few seconds.
The Final Minute Drama
With just 1:47 left on the clock, the Cyclones embarked on a mission, starting from their own 20-yard line. In just 11 plays, they marched down the field for an impressive 80 yards. The highlight of the drive? A crucial pass interference call against UCF’s B.J. Adams that set Iowa State up with a first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. Moments later, quarterback Rocco Becht took the matter into his own hands, literally, scoring a one-yard touchdown run to edge the Cyclones ahead 36–35.
But Becht wasn’t done yet. He decided to go for a two-point conversion, successfully running it in to stretch the lead to 38–35. The crowd erupted in cheers, and one could only imagine the adrenaline coursing through every Cyclone fan in the stadium as Becht showcased his skills when it mattered the most.
Stats That Stand Out
Looking at the numbers, Becht had a rollercoaster of a game, throwing for 274 yards and completing 20 out of 46 passes, alongside one touchdown but two interceptions. On the ground, he was equally impressive, rushing for 97 yards and scoring crucial two touchdowns on 20 carries. Not to be outdone, teammate Carson Hansen also had a solid night, rushing nine times for 91 yards. As for the receiving corps, Jaylin Noel stood out with eight receptions for a whopping 153 yards.
UCF’s Big Plays
UCF came into Ames ready for battle and they were no slouches themselves. Their offense was driven by huge plays, including a remarkable moment when linebacker Braeden Marshall snagged an interception and returned it a whopping 70 yards. However, in a shocking twist, he dropped the ball just shy of the goal line, thinking he had scored. Talk about a heart-stopping moment! No one recovered the drop, sending UCF into a first-and-goal scenario instead.
Running back RJ Harvey capitalized on that opportunity, scoring just moments later to push UCF into the lead at 35–27. With Harvey racking up 196 yards on just 25 carries, coupled with explosive plays from quarterback Jacurri Brown, who added his own 151 yards rushing, the Knights were in a strong position to challenge the Cyclones all game long.
What Lies Ahead for Iowa State
With this latest victory, Iowa State finds itself in a tie with BYU at the top of the Big 12, taking a well-deserved bye week coming up. Fans are buzzing with excitement for their next clash as they prepare to take on Texas Tech, who currently sits in a three-way tie for second in the Big 12.
As Cyclone fans wrap their heads around this thrilling game, one thing is clear: this season is just heating up, and Ames is officially the place to be for college football action!
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
