SALT LAKE CITY — Carson Hansen’s two rushing touchdowns, including a crucial 3-yard score with just 1:31 remaining, propelled No. 22 Iowa State to a 31-28 win over Utah on Saturday night.
Rocco Becht threw for 256 yards and added a touchdown to lead Iowa State’s offense, while Jayden Higgins shined with nine catches for 155 yards and a touchdown. The victory improves Iowa State’s record to 9-2 overall and 6-2 in the Big 12, keeping their aspirations for a spot in the Big 12 title game intact with back-to-back wins.
Utah’s offense was initially hindered, with Isaac Wilson leading the team with 74 yards on 8-of-8 passing, but he suffered an injury late in the third quarter. Luke Bottari, who began the season as the fifth option on the depth chart, stepped in and managed 102 yards of total offense.
The Utes struggled early, accumulating only 99 yards through the first three quarters. However, they displayed resilience in the fourth quarter to tighten the contest, marking their seventh consecutive loss, ensuring they will finish below .500 for the first time since 2013.
Late in the game, Bottari’s impressive runs of 40 and 16 yards set up Micah Bernard for a 1-yard touchdown plunge, giving Utah its first offensive score of the game with 5:51 on the clock.
Iowa State responded decisively as Hansen’s 3-yard touchdown run reclaimed the lead for the Cyclones. Utah had a chance to equalize in the closing moments, but kicker Cole Becker’s attempt from 54 yards fell short.
Iowa State built a 24-13 advantage late in the third quarter after Becht executed a 1-yard rushing touchdown following a drive that started deep in Utah’s territory; this drive was set up by Jack Sadowsky V’s recovery of a Wilson fumble at the 23-yard line.
The Utes made moves to close the gap, scoring when David Washington recovered a blocked punt in the end zone, narrowing the score to 24-21.
In the second quarter, Lander Barton stepped in front of a Becht pass, returning it 87 yards for a touchdown that briefly gave Utah the lead.
Iowa State quickly regrouped, scoring on Hansen’s 8-yard run shortly thereafter, spurred by a pivotal 35-yard completion from Becht to Higgins on a critical 3rd-and-13 situation.
Just before halftime, Utah attempted to capitalize after JT Greep recovered a muffed punt on the Cyclones’ 17-yard line. However, the Utes lost ground, finishing with a 47-yard field goal to cut the score to 14-13.
In terms of implications, Iowa State’s victory could elevate their position in the AP Top 25 Poll following a road win.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will face Kansas State at home next Saturday, while Utah is set to travel to UCF on Friday.