The West Virginia Mountaineers (3-3, 2-1) suffered their first loss in the Big 12 Conference this season, falling to the No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones (6-0, 3-0) by a score of 28-16 on Saturday night.
West Virginia began the game strongly, executing a 14-play, 75-yard opening drive that culminated in a touchdown. Senior quarterback Garrett Greene connected on three passes for 21 yards and added 16 rushing yards on a bootleg, setting up a scoring run by sophomore running back Jahiem White, who crossed the goal line from eight yards out to give the Mountaineers an early 7-0 lead.
However, Iowa State equalized early in the second quarter when sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Noel.
On their next possession, the Cyclones gradually advanced down the field, with Becht completing an 18-yard pass to senior receiver Jayden Higgins and sophomore Carson Hansen rushing for 25 yards. Hansen capped the drive with a touchdown run, putting Iowa State ahead 14-7 with 2:43 left in the first half.
West Virginia responded, moving into Iowa State territory thanks to a 24-yard reception by senior tight end Kole Taylor and a 13-yard catch by sophomore Traylon Ray. However, the Mountaineers’ drive stalled, forcing them to settle for a 43-yard field goal from Michael Hayes, narrowing the gap to 14-10 at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, Iowa State extended their lead with a 10-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Hansen scoring on a three-yard run, making it 21-10.
After Greene threw his second consecutive interception, Iowa State took over at the West Virginia 33-yard line. The Cyclones sealed the game with Hansen scoring again on a short touchdown run, extending their lead to 28-10 with 4:42 remaining.
West Virginia mounted a final effort, constructing an 11-play, 67-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown, but it was too late as the Cyclones secured a 28-16 victory.
