# 2018 Iowa State Cyclones football team

The 2018 Iowa State Cyclones football team represented Iowa State University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Big 12 Conference (Big 12), the team played its home games at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. They were led by third-year head coach Matt Campbell. They finished the season 8–5, 6–3 in the Big 12, which was the most conference wins in a season in program history. They finished third in the Big 12, behind No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 14 Texas. They were invited to the Alamo Bowl where they lost to No. 13 Washington State.

## Offseason
### Departures

Departures :
| Player | Position | Games Played | Class | Reason |
| Lou Ayeni | RB | 4 seasons | Coach | Accepted job at Northwestern |
| Vernell Trent | DL | 48 | Senior | Graduated |
| Colin Downing | P | 48 | Senior | Graduated |
| Allen Lazard | WR | 47 | Senior | Graduated |
| Jack Spreen | LB | 44 | Senior | Graduated |
| Kamari Cotton-Moya | DB | 40 | Senior | Graduated |
| Joel Lanning | LB | 36 | Senior | Graduated |
| Trever Ryen | WR | 36 | Senior | Graduated |
| Jake Campos | OL | 35 | Senior | Graduated |
| Robby Garcia | OL | 31 | Senior | Graduated |
| J.D. Waggoner | DE | 29 | Senior | Graduated |
| Kyle Starcevich | QB | 24 | Senior | Graduated |
| Sam Harms | TE | 24 | Senior | Graduated |
| Everett Edwards | DB | 24 | Senior | Graduated |
| Marchie Murdock | WR | 21 | Senior | Graduated |
| Bryan Larson | OL | 21 | Senior | Graduated |
| Jacob Park | QB | 14 | Junior | Transfer |
| Thadd Daniels | DB | 13 | Senior | Graduated |
| Mackenro Alexander | LB | 13 | Senior | Graduated |
| Reggie Wilkerson | DB | 11 | Senior | Graduated |
| Vic Holmes | DB | 3 | Senior | Graduated |
| Shawn Curtis | OL | 2 | Senior | Graduated |
| Jacob Bolton | OL | 0 | Freshman | Quit |
| Reference: |||||

### 2018 recruiting class

College recruiting information :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date |
| Re-al Mitchell QB | Bellflower, CA | St. John Bosco | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | May 1, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 ||||||
| Carson Schleker WR | Allen, TX | Allen HS | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | Jun 26, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 ||||||
| Brock Purdy QB | Gilbert, AZ | Perry HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 197 lb (89 kg) | Feb 7, 2018 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 ||||||
| Sean Shaw Jr. WR | Jones, OK | Jones HS | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Sep 18, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 ||||||
| Zach Ross OG | West Des Moines, IA | Dowling Catholic | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 300 lb (140 kg) | May 24, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 72 ||||||
| Trevor Downing OG | Creston, IA | Creston HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | May 18, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 ||||||
| Isaiah Lee DT | La Grange Park, IL | Nazareth Academy | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 280 lb (130 kg) | Jul 31, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Will McDonald IV WDE | Waukesha, WI | Waukesha North | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | Feb 24, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 ||||||
| Mike Rose OLB | Broadview Heights, OH | Brecksville-Broadview Heights | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | Oct 19, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Gerry Vaughn OLB | Tucker, GA | Tucker | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | Jun 18, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 72 ||||||
| Jaeveyon Morton CB | Detroit, MI | Martin Luther King | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 160 lb (73 kg) | Jun 10, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 73 ||||||
| Dallas Taylor-Cortez CB | West Hills, CA | Chaminade | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 173 lb (78 kg) | Sep 26, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 75 ||||||
| Anthony Johnson Jr. CB | St. Petersburg, FL | St. Petersburg HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | May 19, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 72 ||||||
| Greg Eisworth S | Athens, TX | Trinity Valley CC | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | Sep 3, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ||||||
| Chandler Pulvermacher S | Hartland, WI | Arrowhead | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Dec 1, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Josh Madison S | Newbury Park, CA | Newbury Park, CA | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Aug 29, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 69 ||||||
| Brayden Narveson K | Scottsdale, AZ | Desert Mountain | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Apr 13, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 75 ||||||
| Corey Dunn P | San Francisco, CA | City College of San Francisco | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | Apr 28, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 55 Rivals: 53 247Sports: 55 ||||||
| Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2018 Iowa State Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017. "2018 Iowa State Recruiting Class". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017. "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017. "Iowa State 2018 Football Commits". 247sports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017. ||||||

#### Incoming transfers
### Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released
| Award | Player | Position | Year |
| Chuck Bednarik Award | Brian Peavy | CB | SR |
| Maxwell Award | David Montgomery | RB | JR |
| Davey O'Brien Award | Kyle Kempt | QB | SR |
| Doak Walker Award | David Montgomery | RB | JR |
| John Mackey Award | Chase Allen | TE | SO |
| Bronko Nagurski Trophy | Ray Lima | DL | JR |
| Outland Trophy | Ray Lima | DL | JR |
| Ted Hendricks Award | JaQuan Bailey | DE | JR |
| Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award | Kyle Kempt | QB | SR |
| Manning Award | Kyle Kempt | QB | SR |
| Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award | Hakeem Butler | WR | JR |

### Big 12 media poll

The Big 12 media poll was released on July 12, 2018 with the Cyclones predicted to finish in seventh place.
Media poll :
| Predicted finish | Team | Votes (1st place) |
| 1 | Oklahoma | 509 (46) |
| 2 | West Virginia | 432 (2) |
| 3 | TCU | 390 (1) |
| 4 | Texas | 370 (1) |
| 5 | Oklahoma State | 300 |
| 6 | Kansas State | 283 (2) |
| 7 | Iowa State | 250 |
| 8 | Texas Tech | 149 |
| 9 | Baylor | 125 |
| 10 | Kansas | 52 |

## Schedule

Iowa State announced their 2018 football schedule on October 26, 2017. The 2018 schedule consisted of seven home games and five away games in the regular season. The Cyclones hosted Big 12 foes Oklahoma, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Kansas State and travel to TCU, Oklahoma State, Kansas, and Texas. For their non-conference schedule the Cyclones hosted Drake and Akron as well as traveling to in–state rival Iowa.
Originally, Iowa State planned to play South Dakota State on September 1 to open the season, however, the game was canceled shortly after kickoff due to bad weather. Iowa State was to host Incarnate Word on December 1, however, Incarnate Word was not able to play after qualifying for the FCS playoffs. They replaced Incarnate Word with Drake.
| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| September 8 | 4:00 p.m. | at Iowa* | | Kinnick StadiumIowa City, IA (Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy) | FOX | L 3–13 | 69,250 |
| September 15 | 11:00 a.m. | No. 5 Oklahoma | | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | ABC | L 27–37 | 58,479 |
| September 22 | 11:00 a.m. | Akron* | | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | FSN | W 26–13 | 54,028 |
| September 29 | 6:00 p.m. | at TCU | | Amon G. Carter StadiumFort Worth, TX | ESPNU | L 14–17 | 42,664 |
| October 6 | 2:30 p.m. | at No. 25 Oklahoma State | | Boone Pickens StadiumStillwater, OK | ESPN2 | W 48–42 | 52,995 |
| October 13 | 6:00 p.m. | No. 6 West Virginia | | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | FS1 | W 30–14 | 56,629 |
| October 27 | 11:00 a.m. | Texas Tech | | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | ESPN2 | W 40–31 | 57,908 |
| November 3 | 11:00 a.m. | at Kansas | No. 24 | David Booth Kansas Memorial StadiumLawrence, KS | FSN | W 27–3 | 15,543 |
| November 10 | 2:30 p.m. | Baylor | No. 22 | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | FS1 | W 28–14 | 53,860 |
| November 17 | 7:00 p.m. | at No. 15 Texas | No. 16 | Darrell K Royal StadiumAustin, TX | LHN | L 10–24 | 102,498 |
| November 24 | 6:00 p.m. | Kansas State | No. 25 | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA (Farmageddon) | FS1 | W 42–38 | 54,430 |
| December 1 | 11:00 a.m. | Drake* | No. 23 | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | Cyclones.tv | W 27–24 | 56,738 |
| December 28 | 8:00 p.m. | vs. No. 13 Washington State* | No. 24 | AlamodomeSan Antonio, TX (Alamo Bowl) | ESPN | L 26–28 | 60,675 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings after October 30 released prior to gameAll times are in Central time ||||||||
* ↑ The game between Iowa State and South Dakota State, originally scheduled for September 1, 2018, was canceled due to inclement weather. On September 12, 2018, Iowa State announced they will be hosting Incarnate Word from the Southland Conference on December 1, 2018. The game replaced the Cyclones' originally scheduled season opener vs. South Dakota State. On November 20, Iowa State announced that Drake would take the place of Incarnate Word for the December 1 game due to UIW's qualification for the FCS Playoffs.

## Personnel
### Coaching staff

Current Coaches :
| Name | Position | Alma Mater | Seasons at ISU |
| Matt Campbell | Head coach | Mount Union, 2002 | 3rd |
| Jon Heacock | Defensive coordinator, Safeties | Muskingum, 1983 | 3rd |
| Brian Gasser | Wide Receivers, Special Teams | Ohio Northern, 2006 | 3rd |
| Nathan Scheelhaase | Running Backs | Illinois, 2013 | 1st |
| Alex Golesh | Tight Ends, Recruiting Coordinator | Ohio State, 2006 | 3rd |
| D.K. McDonald | Cornerbacks | Edinboro, 2001 | 3rd |
| Eli Rasheed | Defensive Line | Indiana, 1996 | 3rd |
| Tyson Veidt | Assistant head coach, Linebackers | Muskingum, 1996 | 3rd |
| Joel Gordon | Quarterbacks | Shepherd, 2003 | 3rd |
| Jeff Myers | Offensive Line | Toledo, 2012 | 3rd |
| Rudy Wade | Strength and Conditioning | Ball State, 2001 | 3rd |
| Reference: ||||

## Game summaries
### Game 1: at Iowa Hawkeyes

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cyclones | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Hawkeyes | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
* Date: September 8
* Game time: 4:05 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Temperature: 69°F • Wind: 5–10 mph (8.0–16.1 km/h) • Weather: Partly Sunny
* Game attendance: 69,250
* Referee: Referee: Cooper Castleberry • Umpire: Jim Adams • Linesman: John Braun • Line judge: Kelly Deterding • Back judge: Scott Gaines • Field judge: Anth. Flemming • Side judge: Donnie Aultman
* TV announcers (FOX): Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, and Holly Sonders
Game information :
First quarter
(6:42) ISU – Connor Assalley 23 Yd Field Goal Iowa State 3–0; 13 plays, 66 yards, 6:49
Second quarter
(5:18) IOWA – Miguel Recinos 31 Yd Field Goal Tied 3–3; 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:16
Third quarter
(6:34) IOWA – Miguel Recinos 48 Yd Field Goal Iowa 6–3; 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:32
Fourth quarter
(4:47) IOWA – Mekhi Sargent 2 Yd Run, Miguel Recinos kick Iowa 13–3; 13 plays, 83 yards, 6:30
Top passers
IOWA – Nate Stanley – 16/28, 166 yards
ISU – Kyle Kempt – 15/21, 126 yards
Top rushers
IOWA – Toren Young – 21 carries, 68 yards
ISU – David Montgomery – 17 carries, 44 yards
Top receivers
IOWA – T. J. Hockenson – 6 receptions, 33 yards
ISU – Hakeem Butler – 3 receptions, 35 yards
Top tacklers
IOWA – John Milani – 1 tackle
ISU – D'Andre Payne – 7 tackles :

### Game 2: Oklahoma Sooners

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 5 Sooners | 10 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 37 |
| Cyclones | 0 | 10 | 14 | 3 | 27 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: September 15
* Game time: 11:06 a.m. CDT
* Game weather: Partly Cloudy • Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind: ESE 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h)
* Game attendance: 58,479
* Referee: Referee: Brad Van Vark • Umpire: Michael Cooper • Linesman: George Cusman • Line judge: Frank LeBlanc • Back judge: Brian Ernest • Field judge: Jason Ledet • Side judge: Tuta Salaam
* TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (Play-by-Play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline)
Game information :
First quarter
(8:22) OKLA – Austin Seibert 21 Yd Field Goal Oklahoma 3–0;
(3:43) OKLA – Marquise Brown 75 Yd pass from Kyler Murray, Austin Seibert kick Oklahoma 10–0; 1 play, 65 yards, 0:16
Second quarter
(13:38) ISU – Connor Assalley 34 Yd Field Goal Oklahoma 10–3; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(13:15) ISU – Hakeem Butler 51 Yd pass from Zeb Noland, Connor Assalley Kick Tied 10–10; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(11:11) OKLA – CeeDee Lamb 5 Yd pass from Murray, Seibert kick Oklahoma 17–10; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(0:05) OKLA – Myles Tease 7 Yd pass from Murray, Seibert kick Oklahoma 24–10; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
Third quarter
(11:48) ISU – Butler 57 Yd pass from Noland, Assalley kick Oklahoma 24–17; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(9:20) OKLA – Trey Sermon 22 Yd Run, Seibert kick Oklahoma 31–17; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(6:40) ISU – David Montgomery 1 Yd Run, Assalley kick Oklahoma 31–24; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(3:20) OKLA – Austin Seibert 31 Yd Field Goal Oklahoma 34–24; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
Fourth quarter
(10:43) ISU – Connor Assalley 21 Yd Field Goal Oklahoma 34–27; 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:22
(2:51) OKLA – Austin Seibert 42 Yd Field Goal Oklahoma 37–27; 15 plays, 75 yards, 7:29
Top passers
OU – Kyler Murray – 21/29, 348 yards, 3 TD
ISU – Zeb Noland – 25/36, 360 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
OU – Kyler Murray – 15 carries, 77 yards
ISU – David Montgomery – 21 carries, 82 yards, TD
Top receivers
OU – Marquise Brown – 9 receptions, 191 yards, TD
ISU – Hakeem Butler – 5 receptions, 174 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
OU – Kenneth Murray – 10 tackles
ISU – Greg Eisworth – 14 tackles :

### Game 3: Akron Zips

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Zips | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Cyclones | 7 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 26 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: September 22
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge:
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
AK –
ISU –
Top rushers
AK –
ISU –
Top receivers
AK –
ISU –
Top tacklers
AK –
ISU – :

### Game 4: at TCU Horned Frogs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cyclones | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Horned Frogs | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
* Date: September 29
* Game attendance: 42,664
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge:
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
TCU –
ISU –
Top rushers
TCU –
ISU –
Top receivers
TCU –
ISU –
Top tacklers
TCU –
ISU – :

### Game 5: at Oklahoma State Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cyclones | 9 | 21 | 10 | 8 | 48 |
| No. 25 Cowboys | 7 | 14 | 7 | 14 | 42 |
at Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
* Date: October 6
* Game weather: Temperature: °F • Wind: • Weather:
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge:
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
OSU –
ISU –
Top rushers
OSU –
ISU –
Top receivers
OSU –
ISU –
Top tacklers
OSU –
ISU – :
Iowa State's Freshman Brock Purdy replaced Zeb Noland at quarterback and passed 18-for-23 for 318 yards and produced four touchdowns. He then ran for another 84 yards and another score. The final score was a loss for the Cowboys at 48-42.

### Game 6: West Virginia Mountaineers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 6 Mountaineers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Cyclones | 13 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 30 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: October 13
* Game time: 6:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 55 °F (13 °C) • Weather: Scattered Clouds • Wind:S 0–5 MPH
* Game attendance: 56,629
* Referee: Referee: David Alvarez • Umpire: Scott Teifer • Linesman: Andy Warner • Line judge: Darren Deckard • Back judge: Chris Alston • Field judge: Ed Vinzant • Side judge: Jim Murphy • Center Judge:
* TV announcers (FS1): Tim Brando (play-by-play), Spencer Tillman (color)
* Source:
Game information :
First quarter
6:47 WVU TD – David Sills 18-yard pass from Will Grier (Staley PAT)
4:24 ISU TD – Hakeem Butler 4-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Assalley PAT)
0:13 ISU TD – David Montgomery 2-yard run (Kick Failed)
Second quarter
9:21 ISU TD – Charlie Kolar 19-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Assalley PAT)
2:58 WVU TD – Derrek Pitts Jr. 72-yard blocked field goal return (Staley PAT)
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
12:17 ISU TD – Deshaunte Jones 32-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Eaton Pass)
5:14 ISU – Team Safety
Top passers
WVU – Will Grier: 11/15, 100 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
ISU – Brock Purdy: 18/25, 254 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
WVU – Kennedy McCoy: 9 rushes, 55 yards
ISU – David Montgomery: 29 rushes, 189 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
WVU – Gary Jennings Jr.: 4 receptions, 38 yards
ISU – Hakeem Butler: 6 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
WVU – Shea Campbell – 12 tackles
ISU – Greg Eisworth – 8 tackles :

### Game 7: Texas Tech Red Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Red Raiders | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
| Cyclones | 0 | 14 | 17 | 9 | 40 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: October 27
* Game time: 11:00 a.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 50 °F (10 °C) • Weather: clear • Wind: SW 0-2 MPH
* Game attendance: 57,908
* Referee: Referee: Mike Defee • Umpire: Robert Richeson • Linesman: Al Green • Line judge: Derek Anderson • Back judge: Terry Jones • Field judge: Joe Blubaugh • Side judge: Lo van Pham
* TV announcers (ESPN 2): Anish Shroff, Ahmad D. Brooks, Roddy Jones
* Source:
Game information :
First quarter
TTU – Thomas Leggett 0-yard blocked punt return (Clayton Hatfield kick), 11:44. Red Raiders 7–0.
TTU – Clayton Hatfield 27-yard field goal, 1:28. Red Raiders 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 2:49.
Second quarter
ISU – David Montgomery 1-yard run (Connor Assalley kick), 13:35. Red Raiders 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:53.
ISU – Charlie Kolar 9-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Connor Assalley kick), 4:35. Cyclones 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 3:12.
TTU – Alan Bowman 1-yard run (Clayton Hatfield kick), 0:10. Red Raiders 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 4:25.
Third quarter
ISU – Connor Assalley 27-yard field goal, 12:26. Tied 17–17. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 2:34.
ISU – Marcel Spears Jr. 41-yard interception return (Connor Assalley kick), 11:03. Cyclones 24–17.
TTU – Antoine Wesley 31-yard pass from Alan Bowman (Clayton Hatfield kick), 8:21. Tied 24–24. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:42.
ISU – David Montgomery 1-yard run (Connor Assalley kick), 4:41. Cyclones 31–24. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:40.
Fourth quarter
TTU – Dakota Allen 0-yard fumble recovery (Clayton Hatfield kick), 12:50. Tied 31–31.
ISU – Alan Bowman penalty in end zone, 4:39. Cyclones 33–31.
ISU – Hakeem Butler 48-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Connor Assalley kick), 2:25. Cyclones 40–31. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:14.
Top passers
TTU – Alan Bowman – 32/56, 323 yards, TD, 3 INT
ISU – Brock Purdy – 13/27, 250 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
TTU – Da'Leon Ward – 10 carries, 16 yards
ISU – David Montgomery – 32 carries, 125, yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
TTU – Antoine Wesley – 8 receptions, 119 yards, TD
ISU – Hakeem Butler – 4 receptions, 148 yards, TD
Top tacklers
TTU – Dakota Allen – 16 tackles
ISU – Brian Peavy – 9 tackles :

### Game 8: at Kansas Jayhawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cyclones | 14 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
| Jayhawks | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
* Date: November 3
* Game time: 11:00 a.m.
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge: • Center judge:
* TV: FSN
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
KU –
ISU –
Top rushers
KU –
ISU –
Top receivers
KU –
ISU –
Top tacklers
KU –
ISU – :

### Game 9: Baylor Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| No. 23 Cyclones | 7 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 28 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: November 10
* Game time: 2:30 p.m.
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge:
* TV: FS1
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
BU –
ISU –
Top rushers
BU –
ISU –
Top receivers
BU –
ISU –
Top tacklers
BU –
ISU – :
At the beginning of the second half, Baylor's Chris Miller got a flag for a late hit against Iowa State running back David Montgomery, pushing him into a Gatorade cooler, escalating tensions. Later, Baylor linebacker Greg Roberts threw a punch at Montgomery and he responded with another punch. Both were ejected from the second half of the game and Montgomery was ejected from the first half of the Texas game the following week.

### Game 10: at Texas Longhorns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 18 Cyclones | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| No. 13 Longhorns | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
at Darrell K Royal Stadium, Austin, TX
* Date: November 17
* Game time: 7:00 pm
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge: • Center Judge:
* TV: LHN
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
UT –
ISU –
Top rushers
UT –
ISU –
Top receivers
UT –
ISU –
Top tacklers
UT –
ISU – :

### Game 11: Kansas State Wildcats

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Wildcats | 0 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 38 |
| No. 25 Cyclones | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 42 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: November 24
* Game time: 6:30 p.m.
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge:
* TV: FS1
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
KSU –
ISU –
Top rushers
KSU –
ISU –
Top receivers
KSU –
ISU –
Top tacklers
KSU –
ISU – :
After a slow start, Kansas State held a solid lead for most of the game. Kansas State had racked up a 17 point lead with only 12 minutes remaining in the game. From there, Iowa State's Mike Rose grabbed a loose ball for a touchdown and the Cyclones controlled the game to rally with 21 unanswered points. The final score was an Iowa State victory, 41-38. The Cyclones broke the 9 year losing streak against the Wildcats. This game was also the last game Kansas State coach Bill Snyder coached before retiring.

### Game 12: Drake Bulldogs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bulldogs | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
| No. 24 Cyclones | 7 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
* Date: December 1
* Game time: 11:00 a.m.
* Referee: Referee: • Umpire: • Linesman: • Line judge: • Back judge: • Field judge: • Side judge:
* TV: Cyclones.tv
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
KSU –
DU –
Top rushers
KSU –
DU –
Top receivers
KSU –
DU –
Top tacklers
KSU –
DU – :
The Cyclones were scheduled to take on the Incarnate Word Cardinals as a replacement for their cancelled South Dakota State game from Week 1, however, the Cardinals qualified for the FCS Playoffs, requiring a different opponent.

### Game 13: Washington State Cougars (Alamo Bowl)

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 24 Cyclones | 0 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 26 |
| No. 13 Cougars | 7 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 28 |
at Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
* Date: December 28
* Game time: 8:00 p.m.
* Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C), Indoors
* Game attendance: 60,675
* Referee: Referee: John O'Neil • Umpire: Jim Shaw • Linesman: Bruce Keeling • Line judge: Patrick Holt • Back judge: Mike Brown • Field judge: Steve Thielen • Side judge: John Roggerman
* TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy and Tom Luginbill
Game information :
First quarter
WSU – Renard Bell 22 yard pass from Gardner Minshew (Blake Mazza kick), 6:55 (WSU 7–0)
Second quarter
WSU – Gardner Minshew 7 yard run (Blake Mazza kick), 6:08 (WSU 14–0)
ISU – Brock Purdy 9 yard run (Connor Assalley kick), 4:26 (WSU 14–7)
WSU – Dezmon Patmon 9 yard pass from Gardner Minshew (Blake Mazza kick), 1:02 (WSU 21–7)
ISU – Connor Assalley 50 yard field goal, 0:00 (WSU 21–10)
Third quarter
ISU – David Montgomery 8 yard run (Connor Assalley kick), 12:11 (WSU 21–17)
ISU – Connor Assalley 23 yard field goal, 1:04 (WSU 21–20)
Fourth quarter
WSU – Max Borghi 10 yard run (Blake Mazza kick), 10:24 (WSU 28–20)
ISU – Brock Purdy 1 yard run (pass failed), 4:02 (WSU 28–26)
Top passers
ISU – Brock Purdy – 18/27, 315 yards, 2 int
WSU – Gardner Minshew – 35/49, 299 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
ISU – David Montgomery – 25 carries, 124 yards, TD
WSU – Gardner Minshew – 6 carries, 16 yards, TD
Top receivers
ISU – Hakeem Butler – 9 receptions, 192 yards
WSU – Dezmon Patmon – 6 receptions, 76 yards, TD
Top tacklers
ISU – Marcel Spears Jr. – 8 tackles, 0.5 sacks
WSU – Peyton Pelluer – 10 tackles, sack :

## Statistics
### Scoring
#### Scores against non-conference opponents

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Opponents | 21 | 27 | 16 | 14 | 78 |
| Iowa State | 17 | 43 | 27 | 21 | 108 |

#### Scores against the Big 12

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Opponents | 41 | 83 | 55 | 41 | 220 |
| Iowa State | 53 | 82 | 66 | 65 | 266 |

#### Scores against all opponents

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Opponents | 62 | 110 | 71 | 55 | 298 |
| Iowa State | 70 | 115 | 83 | 80 | 348 |

## Rankings

Ranking movements Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes :
| | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week |
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | RV | RV | RV | — | — | — | — | — | — | RV | 23 | 18 | 25 | 24 | 25 | RV |
| Coaches | RV | RV | RV | — | — | — | — | — | RV | RV | 25 | 18 | RV | RV | RV | RV |
| CFP | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | 24 | 22 | 16 | 25 | 23 | 24 | Not released |

## Awards and honors

All-Big 12 :
| Player | Selection |
| Offense ||
| David Montgomery | Coaches-2 |
| Hakeem Butler | Coaches-2 |
| Charlie Kolar | Coaches-2 |
| Josh Knipfel | Coaches-HM |
| Julian Good-Jones | Coaches-HM |
| Bryce Meeker | Coaches-HM |
| Sam Seonbuchner | Coaches-HM |
| Defense ||
| Greg Eisworth | Coaches-1 |
| JaQuan Bailey | Coaches-2 |
| Ray Lima | Coaches-2 |
| Brian Peavy | Coaches-2 |
| Spencer Benton | Coaches-HM |
| Willie Harvey Jr. | Coaches-HM |
| Mike Rose | Coaches-HM |
| Marcel Spears Jr. | Coaches-HM |
| Special Teams ||
| Kene Nwangwu | Coaches-2 |
Individual Awards :
| Player | Award |
| Matt Campbell | Chuck Neinas Big 12 Coach of the Year |
Weekly Awards :
| Player | Award | Date Awarded |
| Brock Purdy | Big 12 Newcomer of the Week | October 8, 2018 |
| Braxton Lewis | Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week | October 8, 2018 |
| Brock Purdy | Big 12 Newcomer of the Week | October 15, 2018 |
| JaQuan Bailey | Big 12 Co-defensive Player of the Week | October 15, 2018 |
| Marcel Spears Jr. | Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week | October 29, 2018 |
| Brock Purdy | Big 12 Newcomer of the Week | November 5, 2018 |

## Players drafted into the NFL

| Round | Pick | Player | Position | NFL Club |
| 3 | 73 | David Montgomery | RB | Chicago Bears |
| 4 | 103 | Hakeem Butler | WR | Arizona Cardinals |

## TV ratings

| Opponent | Outlet | Viewers | Rating |
| @ Iowa | FOX | 2.017M | 1.2 |
| Oklahoma | ABC | 3.434M | 2.2 |
| Akron | FSN | † | † |
| @ TCU | ESPNU | 366K | † |
| @ Oklahoma State | ESPN2 | 726K | 0.44 |
| West Virginia | FS1 | 1.323M | 0.75 |
| Texas Tech | ESPN2 | 885K | 0.55 |
| @ Kansas | FSN | † | † |
| Baylor | FS1 | 363K | 0.24 |
| @ Texas | LHN | † | † |
| Kansas State | FS1 | 821K | 0.49 |
| Drake | Cyclones.tv | † | † |
| vs. Washington State | ESPN | 5.547M | 3.2 |
All totals via Sports Media Watch. Streaming numbers not included. † - Data not available.