Iowa State stops Kansas State on controversial 4th down spot

Iowa State took advantage of a controversial fourth down stop of Kansas State in the fourth quarter Saturday. The Cyclones appeared to stuff the Wildcats with 8:20 to go in the game, up 17-14.

Kansas State argued that QB Avery Johnson made the line to gain, but the referees ruled in favor of the Cyclones. Iowa State made them pay in just four plays as Rocco Becht ran in a seven-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 24-14.

You can the game changing play and sequence below. However, things got even crazier right after.

HUGE 4TH DOWN STOP FOR THE CYCLONES. 😳 pic.twitter.com/hBBsTlVKVB

— College Football Alerts  (@CFBAlerts_) August 23, 2025

As soon as Iowa State led 24-14, Kansas State could’ve folded with 6:30 to play. However, Johnson found Jayce Brown for a 65 yard touchdown to cut the lead 24-21 with 6:23 left.

Controversy, Kansas State, Big 12 implications, it didn’t matter. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said coming in the Cyclones had to worry about themselves and take care of business.

“I think certainly as we get into this game week, that will probably rev itself up,” Campbell said leading up to the game. “The reality of it is if you don’t worry about yourself, then you’ve got real problems. And my number one focus, and I hope our kids’ number one focus, has been really in the mirror. We don’t know what K-State’s going to do. It’s a first game.

“You’ve got no idea. They’ve got a new offensive coordinator. They’ve played multiple defenses for the last four to five years. And so, you’re playing a first game, and I don’t care who your opponent would be.”