Iowa State football leadership, resilience key in comeback win vs. UCF

The Cyclones continue to win, and they've been able to emerge victorious in a variety of ways − whether it was in comfortable one-sided fashion or by pulling off a last-minute scoring drive to complete a comeback like they did on Saturday night against UCF 38-35.

Throughout the season, the Cyclones' leadership and resilience have remained a constant regardless of the highs and lows. They managed to snatch the game from the visiting Knights and overcome a 14-point deficit, the largest they faced so far. The win came despite giving up a season-high 414 yards, which included 354 on the ground.

“It really goes to great leadership in the locker room, us coaches can't play the game,” coach Matt Campbell said of his team's ability to chip away at the deficit and defeat UCF. “You have to have unbelievable senior leadership and your best players have got to stand for something that's powerful. When that happens, I think you can navigate the storms that come with 60 minutes of football. That's one thing I've talked about all season is that we have incredible leadership here, as powerful as leadership from the top down that I've ever seen. I still believe everything rises and falls with leadership, I really do.”

More: Hines: Iowa State football perseveres with Rocco Becht at the helmet for Cyclones

Iowa State football's Matt Campbell on leadership in comeback win against UCF

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell discussed the importance of senior leadership in the Cyclones' comeback win and 7-0 start.

Iowa State trailed most of the way but never panicked despite the Knights' success on the ground and giving up two momentum-shattering interceptions. One pick was returned for a touchdown and the other set up another UCF touchdown-scoring play.

“The fight on this team is tremendous, throughout the season, fight is what we've built this team on,” senior Jaylin Noel said. “We're desperate. We're desperate to win. It's been 133 years since anything has been here and we want it. As long as we're desperate, we're going to continue to be successful. We have to keep relying on each other, and then we'll be good.”

Iowa State doesn't totally define its leadership through statistical output. What those key players can bring onto the field and in the huddle matters, too.

Noel, Rocco Becht, Jaydin Higgins, JR Singleton, Beau Freyler and Jontez Williams are some of the marquee names, and it helps when they provide highlight plays. But their impact can be infectious and rub off on others to step up.

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell on game-winning drive vs. UCF

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell shares his thoughts on the game-winning drive and his team's comeback win over UCF.

“If the leaders can be 'A' players and have 'A' games, then the whole will follow,” said Noel, who had a game-high 153 receiving yards. “When moments, like the end of the game, guys can step up and leaders can step up, it only gives faith to the team. Games like this give us the energy to fight, learn from those things. Since 2021, me being here , leadership is the most important thing for this team. If leaders can keep leading this team, it will take us a long way.”

UCF's tandem of Jacurri Brown and RJ Harvey were a dynamic one-two punch on the ground. They accounted for four of five touchdowns and 350 of their team's 354 rushing yards.

Iowa State faltered offensively midway through the game. Of its last five drives to end the second quarter, it went three-and-out four times and allowed a pick-six.

The Cyclones also went three-and-out to start the second half before they dug in their heels and came back.

“Mental toughness is my superpower,” quarterback Rocco Becht said of his ability to flush the two turnovers and help spearhead the comeback. “… The ball is in my hand every single play. No matter what − if it's a bad play or a good play − it starts with me. If I'm mad about a play or I'm not poised enough or calm , it's going to trickle down to the team and they're going to feel the same way, so I gotta always stay positive, poised and calm.

“I've learned a lot in the past year, just continuing to keep this team positive. You can see it in their eyes, they have no doubt that we're not winning every game and that's what I love to see.”

Becht helped Iowa State produce points on four of its final six drives to end the game, making a few fourth-down conversions and key scrambles on third down to keep drives alive. He had two touchdowns off quarterback sneaks, including the game-winner with 30 seconds left. He also threw a second-half touchdown pass to Higgins, and Kyle Konrardy made a fourth-quarter field goal.

Defensively, the Cyclones got stops when they needed down the stretch to keep UCF within reach. Freyler and Williams each had an interception, with Williams' pick sealing the victory in the final seconds.

“We know that we got each other's back,” Williams said. “Offense got our back, defense got the offense's back, so we're going to work hand-in-hand to come back and fight. Pressure makes diamonds, and these guys, these guys are amazing.”

The Cyclones now head into a bye week, which will help heal up a few injuries, before returning to action at home on Saturday, Nov. 2, against Texas Tech.

They are brimming with confidence and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead with a challenging November slate.

“What we have here is special and what sets us apart when we're down,” Singleton said. “If you come play us, you got to play us to the last snap and I think a lot of people know that.”

Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.