Five numbers that told the story of Iowa State football's loss to Iowa in the 2023 Cy-Hawk game

AMES — In three of the last four meetings between Iowa and Iowa State, the Cy-Hawk game outcome has been decided by one score.

That was no different on Saturday when the Hawkeyes held off a late surge from the Cyclones to walk away with the 20-13 win.

Let’s break down Iowa State’s loss to Iowa by the numbers, looking at which stats speak and tell the game’s story.

Here are five figures that explain ISU’s loss to the Hawkeyes.

One…as in one successful trip to the red zone

It’s difficult to put up points when the offense doesn’t get within a solid scoring distance.

Iowa State only made it into the red zone twice against Iowa, and only one of those trips ended with points on the board. It was Jaylen Higgins’ touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and even the Cyclones' two field goals — one from 42 yards and one from 46 yards — came from outside the 20-yard line.

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The Hawkeyes only scored 13 points — a touchdown and two field goals — from the red zone, but Iowa was a perfect 3-for-3, putting up points each time it was within the 20.

Nine…as in Iowa’s nine first downs

Yes, this is an analysis of Iowa State’s performance, but this Iowa statistic reflects well on the Cyclones’ defense.

Iowa’s nine first downs are the fewest Iowa State has allowed in a loss since 1991. That also plays into another statistic: The Cyclones have held 17 straight opponents under 400 yards of total offense, which is the longest streak in the nation.

ISU’s defense allowed just 112 rushing yards and 123 passing yards. While facing the Cyclones’ defense, Cade McNamara completed 55% of his passes and threw one interception. Iowa averaged 4.6 yards per play.

The Cyclones had five tackles for a total loss of 16 yards, which was two more than Iowa’s total. Iowa State had four quarterback hurries and one sack, both totals being more than the Hawkeyes numbers in those categories.

Is this to say Iowa State’s defense was all-around better than Iowa’s defense?

Not necessarily. But this was a defensive game, with two talented defensive units, and Iowa State’s dominance and ability to make big plays when it mattered most kept the Cyclones in this game when the offense couldn’t find its footing.

More: Instant analysis: Offense falters for Iowa State football in Cy-Hawk loss to Iowa

Three…as in Jeremiah Cooper’s interception total through two games

Iowa State fans won’t soon forget Cooper’s pick-six against UNI in the season opener.

And they won’t have to if Cooper keeps making those plays. It’s hard to forget a guy who went from zero interceptions in his true freshman season to three in just two games.

There is one downside to Cooper’s interceptions, though, and it’s that they take away attention from his other on-field contributions. He was second on the team with six total tackles against Iowa, and he broke up a pass, as well.

22…as in Jaylin Noel has had a reception in 22 straight games

Saturday’s Cy-Hawk game started with a six-yard pass from Rocco Becht to Jaylin Noel. It marked the 22nd straight game in which Noel has recorded a reception.

Outside of that statistic, Noel fell a bit flat against Iowa. He had eight receptions for 50 total yards, the second-best on the team. He also had a series with back-to-back drops, and he “returned” three puts for negative four yards.

Today wasn’t Noel’s day.

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But against Iowa, the Cyclones needed him to have a good day, and it’s reasonable to expect a better performance from the most experienced skill player on Iowa State’s offense.

203…as in Rocco Becht threw for 203 yards in Iowa State’s loss

This was a career day for Becht, who finished with a career-high in passing yards (203), completions (23) and attempts (44).

That is, though, to be expected when a redshirt freshman makes his second-ever start. And all of those totals could have been higher. Iowa State had four drops, and Becht threw a pick-six which swayed the momentum in Iowa’s favor.

This game will be a learning moment for not just Becht, but the entire offense. There were some mistakes that rest solely on the quarterback’s shoulders. Other errors could have been avoided with fewer drops or more protection from the offensive line.

Here’s the important takeaway: Even in a loss, these totals (all career highs) show growth.

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on X @AlyssaHertel.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Five numbers that told the story of Iowa State football's loss to Iowa