3 takeaways from Iowa State football's win over Oklahoma State | Hines

AMES — Kyle Konrardy wins another one for Iowa State. The junior kicker connected from 34 yards as time expired to give the Cyclones a wild 51-49 victory over Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 31. It was a night of tricks for anyone who appreciates defense, but full of treats for the offensively inclined on Halloween. Both teams eclipsed the 500-yard mark of total offense with neither defense able to do much to slow the opposition. It wasn't a perfect evening by Iowa State, but the Cyclones repeatedly made their own luck and took advantage of Oklahoma State's miscues. The Cowboys went up in the final minute, but an unsportsmanlike penalty after the play and enforced on the ensuing kickoff gave Iowa State a short field and huge chance. The Cyclones made the most of it, moving quickly into range for the big-booted Konrardy, who chipped it in to give Iowa State its second Big 12 victory. It was a massive win for an Iowa State team that was reeling after back-to-back losses in which it failed to truly be competitive against BYU and Arizona. Against a Cowboys team that similarly had to reboot its roster in the offseason, the Cyclones responded to the adversity in a major way. On the verge of a third straight loss, Iowa State instead resuscitated its bowl hopes heading into the final month of the season. Playing like an underdog Iowa State's offensive explosion was probably the most dramatic development of the day, but I thought the most refreshing aspect of the evening was what felt like a shift in approach and attitude from the Cyclones. They played like underdogs with nothing to lose. Iowa State's play had a looser, more aggressive edge to it than I think we saw in losses at BYU and Arizona. In those games, the Cyclones seemed tight and unable to generate much in the way of energy or momentum. Against the Cowboys, the Cyclones played on the attack, and it allowed them to both create and capitalize on opportunities. Iowa State went for it on 4th down on its own 34. The Cyclones uncorked a surprise onside kick. They called two halfback passes (though this time Aiden Flora was unable to get the ball away either time). They fooled Oklahoma State by feigning an at-the-line audible only to snap the ball and catch the Cowboys napping for a huge gain. They, to a degree, threw caution to the wind. Against Oklahoma State's high-octane offense, it was clear Iowa State felt it needed something to tilt the game in its direction, and the decision to try to maximize and steal possessions was a hugely effective equalizer. The defense struggles As impressive and needed as Iowa State's offensive surge was, the Cyclones' defense continues to fall well short of its own aspirations. The Cowboys undoubtedly have one of the most electric offenses in the country and Drew Mestemaker is in line to be the top quarterback taken in the draft, but even graded on that curve, Iowa State's defense failed its test Saturday. Oklahoma State tallied 533 yards, though the Cowboys did turn it over once. It looked as though the defense, despite its struggles, came up with a game-saving stop when Beau Goodwin intercepted Mestemaker deep in Cowboy territory, but Iowa State was only able to turn it into a field goal. That allowed for the 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that put the Cowboys up in the final minute. Luckily for the Cyclones, though, Oklahoma State's defense was suffering just the same and allowed Iowa State's offense to notch the decisive score. Flora breaks through The month of October began with one of the greatest individual performances in the history of Iowa State football. Aiden Flora rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns while also passing for a pair of scores against West Virginia. In the two games after, though, Flora combined for 112 yards and no scores. The month ended with Flora going as "Flora vs. the Mountaineers" for Halloween. The running back from Adel was electric, showing off his elite speed in ripping off touchdown runs measuring 75 and 29 yards. Flora finished with 221 yards and two touchdowns. So much has been made of Raynor's play – and with good reason – but the performance against the Cowboys only underscores how even the threat of a passing game can soften defenses for Flora, who is probably the only true weapon Iowa State's offense can boast. Raynor had 309 yards, a touchdown and one interception on the day. With the Iowa State offense being so bottled up the previous two games, it was easy to forget what a game-changer Flora can be. As far as reminders go, this was a pretty effective one. Iowa State columnist Travis Hines has covered the Cyclones for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune since 2012. Contact him at thines@amestrib.com or (515) 284-8000. Follow him on X at @TravisHines21.This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 3 takeaways from Iowa State football's win over Oklahoma State | Hines