Baylor edges Iowa State with game-winning field goal, 23-21

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WACO, Texas - Baylor moved to 4-0 on the season with their Big 12 opening victory against Iowa State, 23-21.

Shot out of the gate:  The Baylor defense once again started this game on fire. In the first half, the Bears managed to shut out the Cyclones and even forced a turnover on downs and had an interception. That’s something for the defense to be proud of given that the Cyclones were coming off a 72-point performance last week. The Cyclones did not score until the very beginning of the 4thquarter.

Struggled: The offensive line had a tough outing in this game. Especially in the first half, it seemed like the offense could not get a rhythm going because the blocking up front was sub-par. Charlie Brewer barely had enough time to get off any good throws and the running game seemed to get stuffed constantly. However, in the second half, the offensive line did a much better job in both pass and run blocking. They still struggled quite a bit towards the end of the game. Brewer seemed to be running away from pressure constantly down the stretch.

Decisive Moment: Without a doubt, John Mayers’ game-winning field goal was the biggest play of this game. With the Bears down 21-20 with 20 seconds to go, John Mayers put the Bears ahead.

MVP: Tyquan Thornton had himself the best game of his career. He finished with 11 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. He was clearly Charlie’s go-to guy on the Bears’ game-winning drive.

Key stat: The Bears were able to force two turnovers and a turnover on downs. I can’t stress this enough, the Bears would not have won this game if the defense did not force the turnovers that they did. Even though the defense played exceptionally well, the Cyclones came back swinging in the fourth quarter, and if it weren’t for the plays that the defense made in this game to give the offense back the ball, there’s a good chance the Bears lose this game. Not to mention, they also blocked a kick.

Game Notes:

• In their first three games, the Bears outscored their opponents 91-10 in the first half.
• Before the game, Baylor was 9-8 all-time against Iowa State dating back to 1988.
• Baylor had lost two straight games to the Cyclones.
• Heading into the game, the Bears led the nation in third down success rate at 61.8%.
• Baylor was 9-14 all-time in their Big 12 openers before the game.
• The Bears have now blocked a kick in 7 of their last 9 games.
• Baylor had 7 penalties for 76 yards.

Game Summary

First Quarter

11:32 BAY: Missed FG – K John Mayers misses 38-yard field goal

Second Quarter

12:43 ISU: Missed FG – K Connor Assalley misses 49-yard field goal

8:19 ISU: Turnover — LB Jordan Williams intercepts QB Brock Purdy, returns for no gain

0:58 BAY: TD — WR Denzel Mims 9-yard reception: Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:03 — Baylor 7 – Iowa State 0

0:01 ISU: Missed FG – DL James Lynch blocks K Connor Assalley’s 49-yard field goal

Third Quarter

10:00 BAY: TD – WR Denzel Mims 24-yard reception: Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:00 – Baylor 13 – Iowa State 0

1:26 BAY: TD – WR Tyquan Thornton 35-yard reception: Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 3:11 – Baylor 20 – Iowa State 0

Fourth Quarter

14:34 ISU: TD – RB Johnnie Lang 3-yard run: Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:52 – Baylor 20 – Iowa State 7

7:24 ISU: TD – RB Johnnie Lang 12-yard reception: Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:28 – Baylor 20 – Iowa State 14

3:45 ISU: TD – TE Charlie Kolar 20-yard reception: Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:45 – Baylor 20 – Iowa State 21

0:21 BAY: FG – K John Mayers makes 38-yard field goal: Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 3:24 – Baylor 23 – Iowa State 21

0:02 ISU: Turnover – QB Brock Purdy fumbles, DL James Lynch recovers