The Arizona Wildcats (3-0) hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to Ames, Iowa, to take on the #14 Iowa State Cyclones (4-0). Both teams were well-rested after a bye in Week 4, and the matchup also marked Arizona’s first conference game against an opponent they hadn’t faced since 1968. With both squads undefeated, only one would leave Jack Trice Stadium with that record intact, and unfortunately for the Wildcats, it wasn’t them.
Photo Cred: Arizonia Desert Sawrm
Iowa State protected its home turf in commanding fashion, handing Arizona a decisive 39-14 defeat in front of a raucous Ames crowd. The Cyclones set the tone early, jumping out to a big lead and never letting the Wildcats claw their way back. While the final stats may suggest a more competitive matchup—both teams finished with over 250 passing yards and more than 350 total yards—the rhythm of the game told a different story. Iowa State consistently looked sharper, faster, and more disciplined, executing on both sides of the ball in ways Arizona simply could not match.
The first quarter offered a preview of what was to come. The Cyclones’ defense quickly forced a missed Arizona field goal, setting up their offense with momentum. On the ensuing possession, quarterback Rocco Becht orchestrated a methodical 9-play drive, going 4-for-4 through the air for 60 yards before finishing it himself with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Adding to the confidence, Iowa State successfully converted a two-point try, giving them an 8-0 lead with 5:56 left in the opening quarter. Meanwhile, Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita looked unsettled, struggling to find rhythm against relentless pressure. He managed just 34 passing yards on nine attempts as Arizona’s ground game also failed to spark.
Momentum snowballed from there. By the middle of the second quarter, Iowa State had stretched the lead to 22-0, fueled by Becht’s poise and the defense’s intensity. Becht flashed his dual-threat ability, extending plays with his legs and punishing Arizona’s secondary with precision throws. On the other side, the Cyclones’ defense suffocated the Wildcats, forcing short drives and capitalizing on mistakes—including a Fifita interception that Jontez Williams returned 42 yards deep into Arizona territory. After five empty possessions, Arizona finally broke through with a 69-yard march capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass from Fifita to Kris Hudson with just 22 seconds remaining in the half, trimming the deficit to 22-7.
Even so, the first half made one thing clear: Iowa State looked like a team ready to challenge for the Big 12 crown. Arizona’s offensive struggles were compounded by poor field position throughout, while Iowa State consistently benefited from shorter fields, scoring on drives of 72, 38, and 30 yards. The Wildcats rarely dictated tempo, and even when they moved the ball, they could not string together enough consistency to close the gap.
The Cyclones removed any doubt after halftime. Opening the third quarter, they marched 75 yards in seven plays for a touchdown, then immediately followed with another score just minutes later on a quick, explosive 3-play drive. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser’s play-calling kept Arizona off balance, and in less than seven minutes, the lead ballooned to 36-7. At that point, the outcome was sealed, with Iowa State firmly in control and the home crowd celebrating what felt like a statement win.
Photo Cred: Arizona Sports
By the final whistle, Iowa State had cruised to a 39-14 victory, reinforcing their reputation as one of the Big 12’s toughest squads. Becht delivered one of the best performances of his young career, completing 14-of-20 passes for 288 yards, adding three rushing touchdowns, and showing the poise of a veteran despite throwing one interception. Fifita, while battling hard, couldn’t overcome Iowa State’s defense. He finished 32-of-48 for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, but Arizona managed just four drives over 50 yards, with only two ending in points.
The loss halted Arizona’s hot 3-0 start and served as a reality check for a team hoping to make noise in the Big 12. For Iowa State, however, the win was another step forward in what could be a special season. Now 2-0 in conference play and tied with ASU at the top of the standings, the Cyclones have momentum and confidence on their side. Last year’s Big 12 title race came down to the final week, with Iowa State firmly in the mix, and based on the dominance they displayed against Arizona, it appears they’ll be right back in that conversation again this fall.
