The Iowa defense held Iowa State out of the end zone until late in the game while blocking a field goal and scoring on an interception to win 20-13 in Ames Saturday.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says they expected a hard-fought game.
Linebacker Sebastian Castro picked off Cyclone quarterback Rocho Becht in the second quarter and returned it for a 30-yard touchdown. It’s the 16 straight season Iowa’s defense has had a pick six and Castro was asked if that is expected.
The Hawkeye defense ended the game by stopping Iowa State on downs as they were trying to get the tying score.
Iowa’s offense got 17 of its 20 points in the first half and couldn’t complete drives in the second. Quarterback Cade McNamara says he missed some throws, and there were some mistakes, but he says they are getting better.
The win gave Iowa the Cy-Hawk trophy back after a loss last year in Iowa City. Hawkeye lineman and Cedar Rapids native, Connor Colby says that’s a great feeling.
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell says he thought this was the best game his team has played in the series since he took over.
Campbell was proud of the way his team battled back after getting down early.
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Campbell said it was good to see the response by quarterback Rocho Becht after the interception for a touchdown.
Iowa State falls to 1-1 and is at Ohio on Saturday. Iowa Moves to 2-0 and returns home to face West
