Konrardy's final kick beats Oklahoma State

Kyle Konrardy kicked a 34-yard field goal as the clock hit zero to give Iowa State a 51-49 win over No. 24 Oklahoma State on Saturday night in Ames, Iowa.

The victory ended a two-game losing streak for the Cyclones, who had managed just 13 total points in their previous two contests. The team improved to 4-4 on the season and 2-3 in Big 12 play.

Oklahoma State led 49-48 with 53 seconds remaining. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker faked a handoff and threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Young. However, officials called Young for unsportsmanlike conduct after the score. The penalty was assessed on the kickoff, which pushed Iowa State's starting position further down the field.

Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers said the team needed the win in the worst way. He noted that the players performed at a high level during a difficult stretch. "It was unbelievable for our guys," Rogers said. "They needed this one in the worst way."

The Cyclones moved 47 yards on five plays to set up the winning kick. Jaylen Raynor started the drive with a 33-yard pass to Jamal Polite. Raynor finished the game with 309 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing score. Running back Aiden Flora added 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Rogers praised Konrardy, calling him the best kicker in the country. "There's no doubt about it," Rogers said. The coach also defended his team's performance against a high-powered offense, stating that Oklahoma State has done that to everybody.

Oklahoma State finished with a 5-3 record and a 3-2 conference mark. Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Caleb Hawkins rushed for 194 yards. Polite caught passes for 171 yards.

The game featured a combined 1,114 yards of offense. Six scoring plays covered at least 40 yards. Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris described the loss as a super disappointing one, citing self-inflicted wounds. "Just self-inflicted wounds like crazy," Morris said.

An early shift in momentum occurred in the second quarter. After Iowa State tied the game at 14, the team recovered an onside kick. Three plays later, Raynor threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Polite. Morris said giving up two possessions in the first half was a huge deal for his team.

This is the first win over a ranked opponent for Rogers since he arrived at Iowa State in the offseason. He said he remains focused on improving regardless of the result. "I'll pick apart everything and say, 'What are we doing?'", Rogers said.

Oklahoma State will travel to Kansas State next Saturday. Iowa State plays at Baylor the same day.