Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State’s Charlie Kolar (88) celebrates a touchdown against Oregon during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The greatest season in the history of Iowa State football has come to an end.
The No. 10 Cyclones defeated No. 25 Oregon 34-17 in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, marking the biggest postseason victory in this program’s 128-year history. Matt Campbell’s team completed the third nine-win season in school history and will most likely finish the season in the top-10 of the major polls for the first time ever.
Iowa State owned the trenches for nearly the entire game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. and controlled the clock throughout. That was best exemplified by the team’s 15-play, 75-yard opening drive, capped by a one-yard Breece Hall touchdown run, which erased more than half of the first-quarter clock.
The Cyclones went on to score later on with drives of 14 and 13 plays, respectively.
Hall capped his consensus All-American season with another virtuose performance with 34 carries, 136 yards and two touchdowns. He became the program’s single-season record holder in total touchdowns (23) and tied the single-season record for rushing touchdowns (21), both records were previously set by Troy Davis in 1996.
Star junior quarterback Brock Purdy played one of his steadiest games of the season, completing 20-of-29 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown. All-American tight end Charlie Kolar was on the receiving end of Purdy’s one scoring pass and caught five passes for 53 yards overall, both numbers led the team.
Iowa State dominated the game’s time of possession, finishing with a nearly 25-minute advantage and ran more than twice as many offensive plays as the Pac-12 champion Ducks.
Outside of a few moments, the Cyclones were dominant on their way to making program history. We will have plenty more coverage for you as the night goes on and we begin to reflect on this team that brought us all so much joy.
The greatest season in the history of Iowa State football is over, but the fiesta is just beginning.
