Iowa State vs. Iowa: Kyle Konrardy & Dramatic Cy-Hawk Win

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Ice in His Veins: Iowa State Kicker Kyle Konrardy Delivers Again in Cy-Hawk Thriller

Iowa State kicker kyle Konrardy continues to cement his legacy as a clutch performer, securing a 16-13 victory over rival Iowa with a 54-yard field goal on Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year Konrardy has delivered a game-winning kick in the annual Cy-Hawk showdown, showcasing a remarkable composure under pressure.

Konrardy’s Heroics Seal Iowa State’s First Home Win Since 2011

The game-winning kick, executed with 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter, mirrored the distance of his triumphant attempt in last year’s contest – a 54-yarder with just six seconds left on the clock. This time, though, Konrardy benefited from the energy of a roaring home crowd at Jack Trice Stadium, delivering a pivotal win for the No. 16 Cyclones and their first home triumph over the Hawkeyes since 2011.

“Oh man, he’s really special,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell remarked to FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft after the game. “He continues to do great things. What he’s about, what he stands for, how he practices – all those things are what’s right about him.”

Did you know?– Kyle Konrardy is the first kicker in Iowa State history to make two game-winning field goals against Iowa. His clutch kicks have quickly made him a fan favorite and a key component of the Cyclones’ success.

A Tough Road to victory for the Cyclones

The victory wasn’t without its challenges. While the Cyclones celebrated a hard-fought win, quarterback Rocco Becht’s performance wasn’t as statistically dominant as in previous games, completing 18 of 27 passes for 134 yards and a single touchdown. however, Becht demonstrated poise on the game-winning drive, connecting on 4 of 5 passes for 39 yards. Notably,Becht has yet to throw an interception this season,prioritizing ball security.

“I just think the main thing is the ball,” becht explained. “I didn’t put the ball in harm’s way. That’s the biggest thing on my mind that I’m trying to do to help this team. So, no matter my stats or anything, the ball is the biggest thing for me.”

Iowa State’s path to a 3-0 start has been particularly demanding, including an upset victory over Kansas State in Ireland in Week 0 and a dominant win against South Dakota. According to Campbell, the team’s resilience is a testament to their readiness and mental fortitude.”I thought we had great resolve today,” he said. “Not a lot of things went our way at times. Our ability to just hang in there, keep playing one play at a time – I thought our kids did a great job of handling their emotions.”

Pro tip:– Successful field goal kicking relies heavily on consistent technique and mental focus. Kickers often visualize the kick repeatedly before attempting it, building confidence and improving accuracy.

Championship Aspirations Fuel Iowa State’s Success

Konrardy’s consistent performance on special teams has become a cornerstone of an Iowa State team with legitimate aspirations for a Big 12 title and a potential College football Playoff berth. His 63-yard field goal against South Dakota the previous week further underscored his extraordinary range and ability.

Looking ahead, the Cyclones’ schedule will become increasingly challenging, with upcoming matchups against Colorado, BYU, Arizona State, and Kansas. However, for now, Iowa State is savoring the sweet taste of victory in the cy-Hawk rivalry.

“Ames, sweet dreams tonight,” FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt declared on t