You ever watch a game where the stats tell one story, but the scoreboard feels like it’s screaming something else entirely? That’s basically the 2024 matchup between the Cyclones and the Utes in a nutshell. If you’re looking for the iowa state utah score, the short answer is Iowa State 31, Utah 28.
But man, that "31-28" hides a lot of chaos.
It was November 23, 2024, at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Cold, loud, and weird. Iowa State came in ranked No. 22, trying to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive. Utah was having a nightmare season—4-7 at the time—but they played like a team with absolutely nothing to lose.
How the Iowa State Utah Score Stayed So Tight
Early on, it looked like Iowa State might just walk away with it. They were moving the ball at will. By halftime, the Cyclones had outgained the Utes 243 to 76 in total yards.
Yet, the score was only 17-13. Why?
Because Utah's defense and special teams decided to score for their offense. Lander Barton, the Utes' linebacker, snatched a Rocco Becht pass and took it 87 yards back for a touchdown in the second quarter. It was the longest pick-six by a linebacker in Utah history. Honestly, it was the only reason they stayed in the game early on.
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The Quarterback Chaos
Utah’s quarterback situation was, frankly, a mess. Isaac Wilson started and actually went a perfect 8-of-8. Then, he got hurt late in the third quarter and couldn't put any weight on his leg.
Enter Luke Bottari.
Bottari was the fifth-string guy when the season started. Fifth. Imagine being that deep on the depth chart and suddenly you're asked to save the game against a ranked opponent. And he almost did it. He ripped off a 40-yard run that set up a Micah Bernard touchdown, giving Utah a 28-24 lead with less than six minutes left.
The Drive That Saved the Cyclones
Trailing for the first time since the opening minutes, Iowa State had their backs against the wall. Rocco Becht, who finished with 256 passing yards and a score, needed a legacy drive.
They marched 75 yards.
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The highlight wasn't even a pass from Becht. It was a trick play—a halfback pass. Carson Hansen took a pitch and tossed a 26-yard beauty to tight end Gabe Burkle. It moved the chains on a critical 3rd-and-1 and essentially broke the Utes' spirit.
A few plays later, Hansen punched it in from 3 yards out. That made the iowa state utah score 31-28 with 1:31 remaining.
Utah didn't quit, though. Bottari got them down to the Iowa State 36-yard line. Cole Becker, who had already nailed field goals of 34 and 47 yards, stepped up for a 54-yard attempt to force overtime.
He missed. Wide.
Key Individual Performances
If you're into the box score details, here are the numbers that actually mattered:
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- Jayden Higgins (ISU): 9 catches, 155 yards, 1 TD. He was a human highlight reel, surpassing 1,000 yards for the season during that final drive.
- Carson Hansen (ISU): Two rushing touchdowns and that massive 26-yard pass. He was the Swiss Army knife Matt Campbell needed.
- Micah Bernard (Utah): 68 all-purpose yards and the go-ahead touchdown that nearly pulled the upset.
- David Washington (Utah): Recovered a blocked punt in the end zone. Special teams kept Utah in this fight when the offense was stagnant.
Why This Game Matters for the Big 12
For Iowa State, this wasn't just another win. It moved them to 9-2 (6-2 in the Big 12). It set up a massive "Farmageddon" showdown against Kansas State the following week with a trip to the conference championship on the line.
For Utah, it was a heartbreaking end to their home schedule. It guaranteed their first losing season since 2013. Coach Kyle Whittingham’s squad showed a lot of heart playing with a fifth-string QB, but the lack of consistent offense eventually caught up to them.
The Cyclones outgained Utah 405-224. They had 25 first downs compared to Utah’s 9. On paper, it should have been a blowout. But between the pick-six, the blocked punt, and the muffed punt return that gave Utah short field position, it became a classic "survive and advance" game for Iowa State.
If you’re tracking the history of these two programs, this was a reminder that Rice-Eccles Stadium is a house of horrors for ranked teams, regardless of Utah's record. Iowa State escaped, but only by the skin of their teeth.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for both teams heading into the final week of the season. Isaac Wilson's status will be huge for Utah's finale, while Iowa State needs Rocco Becht to keep that composure as they hunt for a trophy. The road to Arlington is never easy, and this 31-28 scrap was proof.
Check the final conference standings to see how this win impacted the tiebreaker scenarios, especially with Colorado and BYU also in the hunt. Every point—and every missed 54-yard field goal—counts.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the fourth quarter, find the highlights. Specifically, watch the Carson Hansen halfback pass; it’s a masterclass in play-calling under pressure.
- Check the Big 12 Tiebreakers: Since Iowa State won, their path to the title game became significantly clearer. Compare their 6-2 conference record against the remaining schedules of BYU and Arizona State.
- Follow the QB Room: For Utah fans, keep an eye on Luke Bottari’s development. He showed more spark in two drives than most expected from a guy that far down the depth chart.
- Recruiting Impact: Wins like this in "new" Big 12 territory (Utah) are massive for Iowa State's presence in the Western United States. Expect Matt Campbell to use this tape in living rooms across the region.
- Betting Note: This game hit the "Over" late in the fourth quarter. It’s a good reminder that in the Big 12, no lead is safe and the points usually come in bunches when the sun goes down.