Kyle Konrardy kicks Iowa State past No. 24 Oklahoma State
The Cyclones secured a 51-49 victory with a 34-yard field goal as the clock hit zero, ending a two-game slide where they scored only 13 points.
By Elena Greco ·
Kyle Konrardy kicked a 34-yard field goal with no time remaining on the clock to give Iowa State a 51-49 win over No. 24 Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
The result snapped a two-game losing streak for the Cyclones, who had scored just 13 points in their previous two contests. Iowa State now holds a 4-4 record overall and a 2-3 mark in Big 12 play. Oklahoma State drops to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in conference games.
Jaylen Raynor led the Iowa State offense with 309 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a score. Running back Aiden Flora added 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Cyclones moved the ball effectively in the final drive, advancing 47 yards in five plays to set up the winning kick. The first play of that drive was a 33-yard pass from Raynor to Jamal Polite.
Oklahoma State held a 49-48 lead with 53 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker faked a handoff and threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Young. However, Young was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play. The penalty was assessed on the ensuing kickoff, which gave Iowa State better field position to launch their final drive.
Coach Jimmy Rogers of Iowa State praised his kicker, stating, “Konrardy's the best kicker in the country.” Rogers also noted that his players needed the victory, saying, “It was unbelievable for our guys. They needed this one in the worst way.” This is the first win for Rogers over a ranked team since he arrived at Iowa State in the offseason.
Mestemaker had a strong performance for the Cowboys, throwing for 323 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Caleb Hawkins rushed for 194 yards. Polite caught passes for 171 yards. The two teams combined for 1,114 yards of total offense. Six scoring plays in the game went for 40 yards or more.
Eric Morris, the Oklahoma State coach, described the loss as self-inflicted. He said, “Obviously, a super disappointing one. Just self-inflicted wounds like crazy.” Morris noted that giving Iowa State two possessions in the first half was a major issue. Mestemaker called the loss tough, adding, “It sucks. Every part of it.”
Iowa State will travel to Baylor next Saturday. Oklahoma State will host Kansas State during the same week.
Source: Newsday
