Iowa State vs. UCF: A Thrilling Football Showdown
The clash between the Iowa State Cyclones and the UCF Knights delivered a captivating football game filled with dramatic twists and turns. Played at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, the game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last seconds. Ultimately, Iowa State emerged victorious with a narrow 38-35 win, but not without a fierce fight from UCF.
Game Overview
UCF gave Iowa State a real scare. Iowa State took its first lead of the second half in the final minute. Rocco Becht powered in on a QB sneak and tacked on the two-point conversion to make it 38-35. The Knights got the ball back with 30 seconds left but never advanced to the Cyclones' side of the field. Jontez Williams picked off Jacurri Brown with eight seconds remaining to seal it.
The Cyclones entered as the No. 12 team in this week's US LBM Coaches Poll.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game was a seesaw battle, with both teams exchanging blows throughout the contest. Here's a breakdown of some pivotal moments:
- UCF's Promising Start: The Knights began the game strong, showcasing their offensive capabilities early on.
- QB Jacurri Brown scampers in for a 6-yard score at the 12:17 mark of the first quarter. Brown is making his first UCF start.
- Set up by a 46-yard run by RJ Harvey.
- Iowa State's Response: The Cyclones quickly answered, demonstrating their resilience and offensive firepower.
- On the second snap of Iowa State's second drive, Carson Hansen breaks free and outruns everybody for a 57-yard touchdown.
- Late First Half Chaos: The end of the first half was filled with turnovers and momentum swings.
- BJ Adams picks off Iowa State's pass and returns its 63 yards for a touchdown. UCF grabs a 21-14 lead with 1:18 left in the first half.
- UCF Extends Lead: The Knights came out strong in the third quarter, building a commanding lead.
- On the second play of UCF's drive, QB Jacurri Brown sprints for a 67-yard touchdown. It gives the Knights a commanding 28-14 lead.
- Iowa State's Comeback: The Cyclones mounted a comeback, chipping away at UCF's lead.
- After the Knights jump ahead 28-14, the Cyclones answer with a 12-play, 75-yard charge. Rocco Becht polishes it off with a 1-yard QB sneak.
- Controversial Call: A controversial play involving a dropped ball near the goal line added to the drama.
- Rocco Becht fires to Jaylin Noel, but the throw ends up in the arms of UCF's Braeden Marshall. He takes it 71 yards to the end zone for a pick-six. But upon review …He drops the ball at the 1-yard line, celebrating too early. Because no one recovers it immediately, UCF gets the ball on the 1.
- Iowa State Takes the Lead: In the final minute, Iowa State orchestrated a game-winning drive.
- On third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Iowa State QB Rocco Becht pushes into the end zone on a sneak.He tacks on a two-point conversion with a QB keeper to make it 38-35 ISU with 30 seconds left.
- UCF's Final Attempt: The Knights had one last chance to tie or take the lead, but an interception sealed their fate.
- Down 38-35, UCF got the ball back with 30 seconds to go. Jacurri Brown began the drive with a 12-yard connection with Kobe Hudson. After a false start penalty, Brown scrambled for three yards to the Knights' 35. Then, he tossed the pick deep up the right sideline with eight seconds left. Iowa State hangs on.
Individual Performances
Several players stood out with their exceptional performances:
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- Rocco Becht (Iowa State): The quarterback played a crucial role in the Cyclones' victory, showcasing his arm and legs.
- Becht went 20-for-46 through the air, posting 274 yards, a touchdown and two picks. He added a team-best 97 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
- Iowa State kept the drive alive with a fourth-and-1 conversion at the UCF 29 on a 3-yard QB keeper by Rocco Becht.
- RJ Harvey (UCF): The running back had a stellar game, leading the Knights' rushing attack.
- Harvey recorded a game-high 196 yards and two touchdowns on 25 totes.
- After the two teams trade punts, RJ Harvey takes a handoff on the first play of the Knights' possession and explodes up the left side. Eighty yards later, he reaches the end zone.
- Jacurri Brown (UCF): In his first start for UCF, Brown displayed his athleticism and playmaking ability.
- Brown completed eight of his 20 passes for 62 yards and two INTs. He and RJ Harvey ran wild, though. Brown finished with 154 yards and two scores on 13 carries.
- Carson Hansen (Iowa State): The running back contributed two rushing touchdowns for the Cyclones.
- Hansen also rushed for two scores.
- BJ Adams (UCF): Adams notched his first career INT last week.
Team Statistics
The game featured impressive offensive numbers from both sides:
- Iowa State: 530 total yards
- UCF: 416 total yards
Implications and Context
- Iowa State: Improved to 7-0 (4-0 in Big 12), tying the best start in program history. The Cyclones are trying to stay unbeaten.
- UCF: Dropped its fourth contest in a row after beginning 3-0. The Knights fall behind for the first time this half. They are attempting to stop a three-game skid.
Pre-Game Analysis
- Series History: This is the first meeting between UCF and Iowa State.
- Betting Odds:
- Spread: Iowa State (-13½)
- Over/under: 49½ points
- Money line: UCF +425, Iowa State -600
- Expert Predictions:
- Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal: Iowa State 30, UCF 10
- Chris Vinel, Daytona Beach News-Journal: Iowa State 31, UCF 17
- Weather: Weather.com predicts a low of 52 degrees with clear skies tonight in Ames. Winds are expected to blow out of the south-southwest at 5-10 mph.
- Broadcast Information: UCF vs. Iowa State will broadcast nationally on FS1 in Week 8 of the 2024 college football season.
Team Rosters and Key Players
- UCF Knights: The Knights began the 2024 season led by quarterback KJ Jefferson, an Arkansas transfer who was named preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Running back RJ Harvey is third in the Big 12 with 694 rushing yards and first with nine touchdowns. UCF boasts two also preseason All-Big 12 selections: receiver Kobe Hudson (first team) and defensive lineman Lee Hunter (second team).
- Iowa State Cyclones: The 2024 Cyclones have three preseason All-Big 12 selections: wide receiver Jayden Higgins, fullback Stevo Klotz and defensive back Jeremiah Cooper. Iowa State has the No. 1 defense in the Big 12, led by defensive lineman J.R. Singleton and defensive back Darien Porter.
Injuries
- UCF: Tight end Jordan Davis is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
- Iowa State: Receiver Daniel Jackson is out for the season with a lower leg injury. Linebacker Caleb Bacon suffered a leg injury in Week 1. Defensive back Drew Surges also was injured in Week 1.
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