No. 16 Iowa State Falls in Big 12 Title Game
December 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson
ARLINGTON, Texas – No. 16 Iowa State (10-3, 7-2 Big 12) fell to No. 15 Arizona State (11-2, 7-2 Big 12) in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship game Saturday afternoon, 45-19.
After both teams scored on their first two drives of the game, the Cyclones eventually found themselves trailing by two touchdowns at halftime, 24-10. Carson Hansen scored on a three-yard reception on ISU’s opening drive of the game and Kyle Konrardy split the uprights on the next drive.
A mistake-riddled third quarter quickly dampened any hope of a Cyclone comeback. Iowa State turned the ball over on its first three drives of the second half and Arizona State cashed in touchdowns following all three to break open a 45-10 lead.
Rocco Becht was 21-of-35 and finished with 214 yards and two touchdowns. Jayden Higgins had 115 yards on seven receptions while Jaylin Noel turned in five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 38 yards and another score. Quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 12-of-17 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns.
Iowa State awaits its bowl destination after its first 10-win season in program history. Stay tuned to cyclones.com for the latest updates.