West Virginia falls in wild, high-scoring game at Iowa State
Ames, Iowa — A high-octane showdown produced more than a thousand total yards as Iowa State escaped with a 45-42 win over West Virginia in a back-and-forth battle.
The Cyclones moved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12, erasing deficits in the final 7½ minutes and sealing the outcome when a late forced fumble was recovered with 59 seconds remaining.
Flora handled the mission on offense, rushing 22 times for 212 yards and crossing the goal line three times on the ground while adding two touchdown passes on improvised halfback throws. His versatility and resilience stood out as a driving force in the late surge.
Head coach Jimmy Rogers praised Flora’s work ethic and leadership, underscoring how his toughness and consistency lift the entire program on and off the field.
Iowa State amassed 577 yards of offense to West Virginia’s 518, and the two teams combined for 1,095 yards—the fourth-highest total in a Bowl Subdivision game this season—with the second half producing a substantial chunk of that production.
West Virginia had seized a 42-38 edge late in the fourth quarter, capped by Michael Hawkins Jr.’s 47-yard connection to DJ Epps with 5:04 left. The Mountaineers had momentum, but Iowa State countered with a six-play, 74-yard drive that culminated in Flora’s 2-yard scoring run to reclaim the lead.
Raynor completed 19 of 27 passes for 264 yards, and Cody Jackson was his top target with six receptions for 160 yards.
On the West Virginia side, Hawkins Jr. was a multi-threat centerpiece, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for two more. He finished with 149 rushing yards on 20 carries, while Cam Cook added 142 yards on 20 attempts.
The Mountaineers produced 29 first downs and 518 yards of offense, a testament to their prolific output, though defensive stops remained elusive in critical moments. The unit has faced heavy testing in consecutive weeks, highlighting the need for improvement as Big 12 play continues.
West Virginia (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) returns home next weekend to host Arizona.
