Overview
- Iowa won 16-13 on Saturday night when kicker Caden Buhr made a 42-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to break the tie and complete a perfect 3-for-3 night.
- A replay showed one second remained after Iowa State’s final play, but the Cyclones had no timeouts so rules prevented a realistic snap and the result stood.
- Iowa State built a 10-0 second-quarter lead and the Cyclones’ defense held well, but the offense produced only four first downs after halftime and went three-and-out on most late possessions.
- Multiple Iowa State injuries, including wide receiver Evan Boyd’s left knee issue, and late offensive fade reduced the Cyclones’ chance to run a clock‑conserving drive before the final kickoff.
- Pregame odds that favored Iowa by about 14 points now look overstated as the close finish highlights the influence of special teams, coaching transitions and roster turnover on early‑season lines.