Iowa State proved Friday night that a big underdog can rise up and bite an undefeated team.
No. 2 Oklahoma State discovered the Cyclones had plenty of bite all night. Final result: a six-point Iowa State victory.
The Cowboys were a 27-point favorite entertaining the game and headed for a possible national championship affair against LSU. When Oklahoma State left the field Friday night, it opened up the national title chase for other one-loss contenders.
Iowa State had never beaten a top six rated team before. It has been woeful against top-rated teams actually. But the Cyclones refused to lose.
Most upsets occur with the underdog jumps out in the lead and hangs out sometimes to the bitter end. Iowa State didn’t follow the script. The Cyclones were down 24-7 in the second half. They stormed back to forge a 24-24 tie. It looked bleak for Iowa State with about a one minute left. Normally reliable Oklahoma State kicker Quinn Sharp came into the game for a 30 something field goal. He proceeded to hook the try and it was no good.
That break was all Iowa State needed. Although it took two overtimes, the Cyclones were the dominated team in the extra periods.
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads helped guide another miracle. Now at 6-4, the Cyclones are bowl eligible for the second time in three seasons under Rhoads.
And although it was windy weather, the Cyclones didn’t need it for the win. Instead, they created their own storm.
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