Recap: Iowa State football sprints past Ohio 43-10 to close out its non-conference schedule

AMES — So that was fun, huh Cyclones fans?

Iowa State absolutely dominated an overmatched Ohio squad 43-10 to remain undefeated on the season. The win moves the Cyclones to 3-0 for the first time since 2012 with the Big 12 opener against Baylor looming large next week.

This could have been a major trap game for head coach Matt Campbell and company. They have been known to lose a flukey game here and there early in the season during Campbell’s tenure. Plus coming on the heels of an emotional Cy-Hawk win and just before welcoming a top-25 team to town, it wouldn’t have been all too shocking to see ISU come out sluggish.

But they did the exact opposite of that, scoring on the opening drive of the game and never really letting up until late in the second half. Next week Iowa State has the chance to go 4-0 for the first time since 2000. But before we start looking ahead to that exciting contest, let’s look back on all the highlights and major storylines from Iowa State’s dominating performance against the Bobcats.

Matt Campbell says Beau Freyler held out as a precaution

Honorable mention All-Big 12 defensive back Beau Freyler was held out of Saturday's win as a precaution more than anything. He's hoping to have him back in the lineup for the Baylor game next weekend.

FINAL Iowa State 43-10 Ohio

The Cyclones added one last field goal in the final minutes of the game and move to 3-0 on the season after a dominating performance over Ohio.

8:14/4Q Cyclones tack on a field goal

Despite the stellar field position given to the offense thanks to the fumble recovery, Iowa State couldn't get the ball into the end zone.

Still, they tacked on a Jace Gilbert field goal from 21-yards out to go up 40-10.

That's Gilbert's second field goal of the afternoon.

9:34/4Q Another turnover for the defense

The Cyclones got their fourth turnover of the day when Joey Peterson knocked the ball out of Ohio QB Parker Navarro's hands as he took him to the ground. Hunter Zenzen picked the ball up and brought it back to the Ohio 8-yard line.

10:11/4Q Dekkers' day is done

Hunter Dekkers comes out of the game and makes way for backup quarterback Rocco Becht to finish the game. Dekkers finishes this game 28-for-36 with 268 yards, three touchdowns and a QBR of 167.8.

Not a bad day out.

Cyclones lead 37-10 over Ohio

13:30/4Q A QB switch for Ohio

While it's clearly too little too late, the Bobcats have taken out Kurtis Rourke and replaced him with Parker Navarro, a UCF transfer, under center.

The Bobcats just crossed into ISU territory. But 27 points to make up in just over 13 minutes. Seems unrealistic.

3:44/3Q Ohio finally finds the endzone

After being gifted another life by the Iowa State defense, the Bobcats capitalized. Kurtis Rourke found Tyler Foster for a 1-yard touchdown strike.

After the PAT, the score is now 37-10 with the Cyclones on top.

4:55/3Q Iowa State penalty gives Ohio a shot

After driving into the ISU redzone, it looked like the Cyclones had Ohio stopped on a 4th down attempt. But a holding penalty on Tayvonn Kyle extended the Bobcats' drive. They're now inside the 10-yard line facing a 2nd down and goal.

I8:22/3Q Dekkers and Hutchinson link up again

Just two plays after the Reeder pick, Dekkers hit Hutchinson on a 13-yard strike. it's the first touchdown connected on between the pair today, but it marks Hutchinson's fifth of the season. That ties his career-high for scores in a season, which he had in 2021.

It's only Week 3...

Cyclones lead 37-3 after the PAT.

8:32/3Q Colby Reeder back again

Colby Reeder had an interception last week that set Iowa State up in the red zone. I guess he had so much fun he wanted to do it again.

The ISU linebacker picked off a Kurtis Ourke pass on a 4th and 3 from the Cyclones' 37-yard line. He ran it back 53-yards back to the Ohio 13 before Ourke knocked him out of bounds.

Dekkers and Co. set up nicely to add to their lead now.

12:56/3Q ISU sack forces Ohio punt

A big sack from Will McDonald forced a loss of 12-yards to send Ohio back into their own half of the field. The Bobcats punted one play later and now Iowa State is set up near mid after another poor punt by Ohio.

15:00/3Q Back underway

We're back underway here at Jack Trice Stadium.

Ohio gets the ball first to start the half and on the opening play of the drive they get a 28-yard pass to cross into Iowa State territory thanks to a couple missed tackles.

HALFTIME

Iowa State is up 30-3 at the break and it's been all Cyclones. The score could honestly be even more lopsided had it not been for four ISU offensive penalties a few misplaced passes from Dekkers and that one fumble in the redzone. Still, he's 21-for-27 for 206 yards and two scores, so can't complain too much if you're a Cyclones fan.

The defense has been great aside from the one drive where Ohio nabbed a field goal. The Bobcats have just 116 total yards compared to ISU's 326. The Cyclones have also forced two turnovers which turned into 10 points for the offense.

0:24/2Q Well, that worked out

On 4th and 2 Dekkers found Sean Shaw over the middle and he did the rest, sprinting to the goal line and leaping to cross the plane for an Iowa State touchdown. The drive went 75-yards in 10 plays in just over three minutes.

Jace Gilbert's PAT attempt was blocked as ISU's special teams woes continue. But the Cyclones are up 30-3 close to the break.

0:30/2Q/ Decision time for Matt Campbell

After a few chunk plays got Iowa State into Ohio territory, the explosive offense seemed to die a bit on that drive. Some shorter gains still got the Cyclones down to the 15-yard-line, where they now face a 4th and 2.

3:09/2Q Malik Verdon not on the field

The freshman DB didn't return to the field for Ohio's last series. He looked to be undergoing evaluation for a neck issue when he made a tackle earlier on in the second quarter.

3:40/2Q Bobcats get on the board

After a slow and methodical drive stalled out just outside the ISU redzone, Ohio opted to attempt a 45-yard field goal. Nathanial Vakos drilled it home for the Bobcats to bring their deficit to just 21 points.

Bit of a strange call there to go for three. ISU has been dominant all game long and a field goal isn't likely going to turn the tide of this one.

Iowa State up 24-3

6:45/2Q Ohio putting together a drive

The Bobcats finally crossed into Iowa State territory for the first time this afternoon. They haven't been getting many chunk plays, just five yards here, another couple there. But they have their best shot to put points on the board right now before the half.

9:04/2Q Really good followed by really bad for Iowa State

Iowa State started its drive with a bang, Jirehl Brock popped off for a 61-yard run, his longest of the season. That got the Cyclones down to the Bobcats' 19-yard line.

But on the following play, the snap went straight through Hunter Dekkers' hands, bounced off his body and was recovered by Ohio.

Bobcats get the ball back after ISU's first turnover of the day.

13:07/2Q Iowa State scoring in bunches now

Five plays after that Johnson pick the Cyclones found paydirt again, this time thanks to a Deon Silas, a 5-foot-8 running back, with a 3-yard scamper to the left side. The score was set up though by a 24-yard run by Silas that took the ball down to the Bobcats' 5.

The running game finally came alive on that drive.

Iowa State up 24-0 over Ohio now

14:45/ 2Q Anthony Johnson with a leaping pick

On the first play of the ensuing Ohio drive, Kurtis Rourke heaved back to toss a ball, but Anthony Johnson came out of nowhere, skied into the air and picked the ball off to give the ball right back to the Cyclones around midfield.

14:57/2Q Cyclones can't punch it in

After getting the ball at the Ohio 9-yard line to start the drive, ISU can't punch the ball into the end zone and opt to send Jace Gilbert out for a 19-yard field goal.

Cyclones up 17-0 now

END OF 1Q

The overwhelming thoughts here are how easy ISU is marching down the field, unless they're shooting themselves in the foot. The defense has been wonderful, forcing one turnover and limiting the Bobcats to just 27 total yards through three drives.

There's been a few missed passes from Dekkers and a bad penalty that set up a punt. But overall It's been a solid performance through the first 15 minutes.

0:58/1Q Ohio coughs it up

O'Rien Vance comes off the edge and gets a strip-sack and MJ Anderson recovers it deep in Ohio territory to set up the Cyclones at the 9-yard-line. it's the first forced turnover of the afternoon for the defense.

1:46/1Q Iowa State extends lead

On 3rd and 8,8 Dekkers found tight end DeShawn Hanika who made a nifty catch on a ball thrown slightly behind him for the score. It was his first catch of the afternoon.

The drive lasted 8 plays and went 55-yards. Cyclones up 14-0 after the PAT from Jace Gilbert.

2:24/1Q Cyclones convert easily

On fourth and 1 Dekkers dropped back and found, guess who? Xavier Hutchinson across the middle for an 18-yard gain down to the Bobcats' 13.

On the last drive, Hutchinson became the eighth ISU receiver in program history to eclipse the 2,000-yard receiving mark for his career.

2:41/1Q 4th and 1 incoming

After a promising start to the drive, the offense stalled out a bit thanks to an incomplete pass and a run from Jirehl Brock for no gain.

Offense staying out here though from the Ohio 31.

8:41/1Q Special teams look good

After a penalty and failed third-down conversion, the Cyclones were forced to punt. Ohio sent the house after seeing Tyler Perkins have two punts blocked last week.

He got this one off and a questionable decision by the Bobcats' return man to field the ball inside the 5 nearly results in a safety after he ran into the endzone. He was able to recover though and Ohio will start their drive at their own 2-yard-line

9:57/1Q That was faster

The Bobcats drive lasts just under a minute and gained a total of zero yards. After a bad punt of 23-yards, ISU takes over just on their own side of midfield.

10:44/1Q That was fast

Iowa State wasted no time, marching 69 yards in 11 plays to hit paydirt. The drive was capped off by a Hunter Dekkers 6-yard QB keeper. The real highlight of that drive was the Dekkers and Xavier Hutchinson connection. The two linked up four times for 27 yards on the opening drive.

Running back Jirehl Brock carried the ball twice for 14 yards, including a 12-yard rush. Iowa State faced just one third down on that drive, which they converted, and Dekkers was near perfect, completing 7 of his 8 pass attempts for 49 yards.

Cyclones up 7-0 on Ohio.

1:01 p.m. Ohio wins the toss

The Bobcats won the toss and deferred. That means Hunter Dekkers and the ISU offense get the ball first.

It's time for football, y'all.

12:50 p.m. Radar looks good for now

Despite some earlier concerns about possible lightning and thunderstorms, the current radar around Ames is looking clear. It still might be a dreary afternoon with clouds covering the sky, but it doesn't look like anything that'll impact the game significantly.

Get settled in, we're just 10 minutes from Week 3 football.

12:30 p.m. The Colby Reeder show

Redshirt senior linebacker Colby Reeder had a good game last weekend against Iowa. He had four total tackles, a TFL, a couple QB hurries and an interception in the Cy-Hawk win. He might be asked to do more this week against an Ohio offense that has shown they have the ability to put up points at times. It'll be critical for Reeder to be a sure tackler to keep the Bobcat runners, particularly Sieh Bangura, from getting to the second level this afternoon.

More: Matt Campbell says Colby Reeder’s play against Iowa was outstanding

Today is only his third game in an Iowa State uniform, and second against FBS competition, after transferring from FCS Delaware in the offseason. He's already shown he has what it takes to play for the Cyclones and he should have a big impact today.

12:17 p.m. Jake Remsburg not warming up either

The Cyclones' redshirt junior offensive tackle isn't out on the field warming up either, he's been dealing with a leg injury too, though he's been out since fall camp. On the positive side, he's changed his leg brace out for just a compression sleeve, so things seem to be trending in the right direction in his recovery.

12:11 p.m. Cartevious Norton not warming up

Freshman running back Cartevious Norton doesn't appear to be on the field during early warmups about 45 minutes before kickoff. He showed flashes of brilliance during the Week 1 win over SEMO, piling up 21 yards on just three carries. He left that game with a leg injury and hasn't played since.

Looks like it will be at least one more week before he hits the field again, barring some last-minute changes

12:00 p.m. Iowa State needs to avoid trap game

Look, last week was as emotional a win as a Cyclones team is likely to have this season. On the road and a one-score win over your biggest rival, it's tough to top that. Still, Iowa State needs to recover from that one quick to focus on Ohio today. The Cyclones don't want to get caught sleepwalking through a game against a 1-1 MAC team as they look forward to opening up Big 12 play next week against Baylor.

More: Peterson: Predictions include Iowa State can't blow rare 3-0 opportunity by falling in an Ohio trap

Ohio aren't world-beaters by any stretch, but they'll pose the biggest challenge the Cyclones' defense has seen up until this point. College football is a crazy game, just ask Notre Dame and Texas A&M. Underestimating the opponent could not only ruin your afternoon, but it could ruin the season.

11:05 a.m. Not pretty outside

Some pretty bad rainstorms hit central Iowa overnight and into the early morning Saturday. The rough weather, including the chance for some lightning, looks like it will continue up until kickoff.

Early on in the game, there could be some rain and lightning, but after the first hour or so it seems like we'll be in the clear in Ames. Though the rain might've made the field soggy. Don't be shocked if you see some guys slipping around out there once the game starts.

Wind gusts of up to 14 mph are expected shortly after kickoff too. That might force Matt Campbell and company to keep the ball on the ground more than they did in their first two contests. Look for redshirt junior Jirehl Brock to have a big game if that's the case.

Get set for kickoff with pregame coverage

• Peterson: Cyclones must avoid Ohio trap game

• How to watch, stream and listen to ISU-Ohio

• ISU, Dekkers benefitting from strong O-line play

• How ISU drove 99-yards into Cy-Hawk lore

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football races past Ohio 43-10. Here are the highlights.