Rocco Becht throws for 277 yards and two scores to lead No. 16 Iowa State to 43-21 win over Baylor
Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
AMES, Iowa — Rocco Becht threw for 277 yards and two touchdown to lead No. 16 Iowa State to a 43-21 win over Baylor on Saturday night.
The Cyclones (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) wiped out an early deficit and another in the third quarter and are off to their best start since 1980. Baylor (2-4, 0-3) lost its third straight game.
“I think it's the mental toughness that everybody has and the ability to stay consistent,” Becht said. “The ability to keep our head down and keep driving no matter what the score and record is”
Becht’s TD passes were 10 yards to Benjamin Brahmer and 11 yards to Jayden Higgins, who extended his streak of games with a touchdown reception to seven. Becht was 16 of 25 for 277 yards.
“I can't say enough about what this kid has done for us,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “He's playing as good as anyone right now and I'm really proud of what he's done.”
Jaylon Jackson led the Cyclones rushing attack with 107 yards and his first two touchdowns for Iowa State since transferring from Eastern Michigan.
“It felt amazing,” Jackson said. “Shoutout to the offensive line and all my teammates and coaches that allowed it to happen.”
Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) is tackled by Baylor safety DJ Coleman (33) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
The Cyclones rushed for 265 yards, their third straight game over 200, and finished with 542 yards total, their most in two seasons.
Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. His TD passes were 4 yards to Josh Cameron, 8 yards to Michael Trigg and 25 yards to Ketron Jackson Jr.
“We started fast and with a lot of good energy and execution, but at times we had some missed executions,” Baylor head coach Dava Aranda said.
The Takeaway
Baylor: The Bears came into the game off two straight close losses, and they opened this game with two long touchdown drives and another to start the second half. Then the offense stalled. The Bears managed just 63 yards on its final four possessions, which included an interception and three three-and-outs.
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) catches a pass in front of Baylor safety Caleb Parker, left, and safety Devyn Bobby (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
Iowa State: Becht continues to be a steady presence, and the emergence of Jackson has upgraded the running game.
Poll Implications
Iowa State is poised to move up a spot or two after losses by teams ahead of it.
Block party
Iowa State’s blocked punt for a touchdown in the second quarter was the first since 2004 against Northern Illinois. Myles Mendeszoon got the block and Caden Matson ran it back 25 yards.
Up next
Baylor: visits Texas Tech next Saturday.
Iowa State: visits West Virginia next Saturday.
