Facing pressure, Jaylen Raynor stepped up to lead Iowa State with its back against the wall
A difficult stretch for Raynor
Iowa State’s Week 8 road game against Arizona ended in a 39-3 defeat. The Cyclones struggled on offense, while the Wildcats and quarterback Noah Fifita found answers against the defense.
Raynor, who transferred from Arkansas State after three successful seasons, was benched at halftime with Iowa State trailing 25-3. After earlier signs of progress in a 45-42 win over West Virginia, he had regressed against BYU and Arizona.
A chance under the lights
Despite the Arizona setback, Iowa State named Raynor its starter for a Halloween-night game against Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium. With his place in the lineup uncertain, he had an opportunity to make his case for the rest of the season.
The Cyclones had lost all four of their previous games against ranked opponents. Against the Cowboys, their offense needed to keep pace with a productive Oklahoma State attack, while Iowa State’s pass defense had struggled.
Raynor leads a shootout
Raynor completed 18 of 28 passes for 309 yards, three touchdowns and one first-half interception. He also ran for 48 yards and a touchdown, continuing to take downfield chances after the interception.
Freshman receiver Jamal Polite Jr. caught six passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Four wide receivers expected to contribute were sidelined with injuries, and Polite and Malcolm Watkins moved into larger roles as offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl simplified the offense.
Momentum and next challenge
The victory was Iowa State’s first over a top-25 opponent and the biggest win so far in the Jimmy Rogers era. The Cyclones moved to 4-4, one step closer to bowl eligibility.
Raynor will look to carry the momentum through the final four weeks. Iowa State’s next game is a Week 10 road matchup against Baylor.
Key points
- Jaylen Raynor threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns against Oklahoma State.
- He added 48 rushing yards and a touchdown after being benched against Arizona.
- Jamal Polite Jr. had six catches for 171 yards and a score.
- Iowa State improved to 4-4 and earned its first win over a top-25 team.