Cyclones dismantle 6th ranked Mountaineers

Oct 13, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) runs the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Derrek Pitts Jr. (1) at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

AMES — There was nothing flukey about this “upset.” The better team not only won, but dominated.

While sporting their often discussed new alternate black uniforms, Iowa State improved to 3-3 (2-2) by dominating No. 6 West Virginia Saturday night by a 30-14 final.

West Virginia’s only scores came on a short field (after a turnover) and a blocked field goal.

It will go down as one of the best defensive performances in Iowa State history. West Virginia entered Saturday averaging 7.0 yards per play – the 9th best mark in America. The Mountaineers, who entered this game with legitimate College Football Playoff hopes, averaged 3.6 yards on Saturday night (compared to 6.9 by the Cyclones).

West Virginia’s Heisman Trophy seeking quarterback Will Grier averaged 364 yards per game entering this one. He was limited to 100.

Offensively, the Cyclones were led by true freshman quarterback Brock Purdy. In an encore of last weekend’s debut against Oklahoma State, Purdy threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns.

Hakeem Butler was his favorite target, as the two connected six times for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile on the ground, David Montgomery ran for a career-high 189 yards and a touchdown.

Iowa State is off next weekend. Texas Tech will come to Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 27.