Last-Second Kicker Ends Oklahoma State's Rank as Iowa State Grabs 51-49 Win
A 34-yard field goal as time expired overturned a 49-48 lead, securing Iowa State's first victory over a ranked opponent under head coach Jimmy Rogers.
By Stefan Kim ·
Kyle Konrardy struck a 34-yard field goal as the clock hit zero to give Iowa State a 51-49 victory over No. 24 Oklahoma State on Saturday night. The kick ended the Cowboys' season of chasing Big 12 leaders and handed the Cyclones their first win over a ranked team since head coach Jimmy Rogers took the job in the offseason.
The game featured a series of high-impact plays that swung momentum both ways. Iowa State trailed 49-48 with 53 seconds remaining. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker faked a handoff and threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Young to take the lead. However, officials called Young for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play. The penalty was assessed on the ensuing kickoff, giving Iowa State better field position.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris described the loss as disappointing, citing self-inflicted wounds. He specifically noted that Young's penalty was the most selfish play of the night. Mestemaker agreed, saying the loss was tough and that Young knows he cannot afford such moments when playing on the edge.
Iowa State capitalized on the penalty with a five-play, 47-yard drive. Jaylen Raynor completed a 33-yard pass to Jamal Polite on the first snap of the drive. The Cyclones then set up Konrardy for the game winner. Rogers called Konrardy the best kicker in the country and said his players needed this win after a two-game losing streak where they scored only 13 points.
The offensive statistics reflected the chaos of the contest. The two teams combined for 1,114 yards of total offense, with six scoring plays traveling 40 yards or more. Raynor passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a score. Aiden Flora added 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns for Iowa State. Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns, and Caleb Hawkins rushed for 194 yards for Oklahoma State.
An early second-quarter sequence set the tone for Iowa State. After tying the game at 14, the Cyclones recovered an onside kick and scored on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Raynor to Polite three plays later. Morris admitted that giving up two possessions in the first half was a major factor in the loss.
Iowa State travels to Baylor next Saturday. Oklahoma State heads to Kansas State the same day.
Source: La Voz de Houston
