### Cyclones Edge Out Utah in Thrilling Comeback Victory

The Iowa State Cyclones navigated a tumultuous match to secure a 31-28 win over the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Despite grappling with numerous mistakes, including a pick-six and a blocked punt leading to a touchdown, the Cyclones managed to pull off a late-game drive to clinch the victory on Saturday night.

Iowa State's path to the Big 12 championship game has become clearer following their ninth win of the season (9-2, 6-2) and the upsets of previous leaders BYU and Colorado. Cyclones’ head coach Matt Campbell expressed his enthusiasm about the team's resilience and potential on the Cyclone Radio Network, describing the group as "really special" with the possibility of becoming even more remarkable.

Statistically, the Cyclones dominated the game. They outgained the Utes (4-7, 1-7) with 405 yards to Utah’s 224 and achieved 24 first downs to Utah's nine. Despite these advantages, the Cyclones almost let the game slip away due to their errors, until a crucial 10-play, 75-yard drive culminated in tailback Carson Hansen's three-yard touchdown run with just 1:31 remaining.

The Utes fought back, with quarterback Luke Bottari advancing Utah to ISU's 36-yard line. However, a 54-yard field goal attempt missed its mark, allowing Iowa State to celebrate a hard-fought win, marking their seventh road victory in the past eight games.

Quarterback Rocco Becht played a pivotal role, completing 20 of 38 passes for 256 yards, including a touchdown to wide receiver Jayden Higgins. However, a critical interception returned for a touchdown put Utah ahead in the second quarter. Higgins, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the season, made nine catches for 155 yards, including key receptions during crucial moments of the game.

Head Coach Campbell lauded the synergy between Becht and Higgins, particularly on the decisive final drive. "Him and Rocco, they were so dialed in to each other on that last drive," Campbell noted. Becht’s completions to Higgins were instrumental, setting up a trick play by Hansen, resulting in a crucial gain to the three-yard line before Hansen secured the winning touchdown gain.

Despite blunders, including a muffed punt and a blocked punt that handed Utah scoring opportunities, the Cyclones maintained their composure. Becht emphasized his confidence in his teammates and the coaching staff’s trust. "I had no doubt that we were gonna go down there and score," he said, highlighting the intense atmosphere and the satisfaction of achieving victory in such a challenging environment.

The Cyclones' persistence and ability to deliver under pressure signify their growth and readiness as they aim for the Big 12 championship.