AMES, Iowa – Iowa State scored 31 consecutive points in the second half and survived a late rally by Colorado to defeat the Buffaloes, 31-28, in the Cyclones’ final home game of the season.
The Cyclones (3-8, 2-5 Big 12) got off to a sluggish start, falling behind 21-0 at the end of the first half. The 21-point comeback today matches the largest come-from-behind win in Iowa State history. ISU scored a 35-21 decision at Missouri on Nov. 11, 1989, after trailing 21-0 at the half.
The Cyclone offense, which was held to just 106 yards of offense in the first half, came alive in the third quarter. Bret Meyer connected with fellow senior Todd Blythe four times for 124 yards and two touchdowns in the period as the Cyclones rallied to tie the score at 21-21 heading into the fourth quarter.
Bret Culbertson’s 24-yard field goal just minutes into the fourth gave the Cyclones their first lead of the game and Alexander Robinson’s nine yard run with 4:07 left in the game made it 31-21 in favor of the home team.
Colorado (5-6, 3-4) wasn’t finished as it marched down the field and cut the lead to 31-28 on a nine-yard strike from Cody Hawkins to Scotty McKnight.
After a three-and-out by ISU and a 48-yard punt into the wind by Mike Brandtner, the Buffaloes took over at their 28-yard line with 46 seconds remaining. The Buffaloes promptly advanced to the Iowa State 34 with 11 seconds remaining. CU scrambled to get back to the line of scrimmage and attempt a game-winning field goal but was whistled for a delay of game penalty, negating the attempt. After a review confirmed that one second remained in the game, Colorado was unable to snap the ball in time and Iowa State celebrated its second straight Big 12 victory after opening conference play with five consecutive losses.
Meyer, making his 47th consecutive start, threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns in his final game at Jack Trice Stadium. Blythe’s four catches all came in the third quarter and Robinson finished with two touchdowns and 127 rushing yards on 29 carries.
The teams played to a scoreless draw in the first quarter but Colorado got on the board on Hawkins’ sneak from one yard out on the second play of the second quarter. Hawkins’ touchdown capped a 10-play, 49-yard drive by the Buffaloes that took 3:59 off the clock.
The Buffs tacked onto their lead late in the second on an eight-yard touchdown scamper by Hugh Charles. The touchdown was set up by an interception by Lionel Harris that gave CU field position inside the Iowa State 30-yard line.
Colorado went into the half leading 21-0 following a 98-yard drive that spanned 1:18 and resulted in a 28-yard touchdown strike from Hawkins to tight end Riar Geer.
The third quarter was all Iowa State as the Cyclones out gained the Buffs, 191-28, and scored on each of their three possessions to tie it at 21-21 heading to the fourth.
The Cyclones kicked off to open the half and the defense made a pivotal 4th-and-1 stop to get the ball back at the CU 43-yard line. Robinson opened the scoring with a 13-yard scamper, highlighting a drive in which the freshman accounted for all 43 yards on the drive.
After a three-and-out defensive stand by the Cyclones, Meyer hit Blythe from 12 yards out to make it 21-14 Colorado. The Cyclone defense again held firm, forcing the Buffs to punt again after three plays and Meyer again hit Blythe, this time for 55 yards, to tie the score at 21. It was Blythe’s 31st career touchdown catch, 28 of which have come from Meyer.
After another solid defensive stand by the defense, Iowa State’s offense continued to roll as it marched down the field for Culbertson’s field goal. Robinson ran for his second touchdown with 4:07 remaining to open up a 10-point lead, and the Cyclones held on for the win.
The Cyclones will close out the 2007 season at Kansas next Saturday. The game will be televised regionally by ABC with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
