Aiden Flora’s explosive three-touchdown performance headlines a dominant rushing attack as the Cyclones dismantle the Falcons, signaling a shift in momentum before pivotal Big 12 play begins.
Iowa State bounced back from their loss against Iowa in the Cy-Hawk rivalry game with a Dominant win over the Bowling Green Falcons, 55-7, at Jack Trice Stadium. Running back Aiden Flora led the way with a breakout day on the ground, and the special teams played a key role in the game with both units scoring a touchdown. On offense, the Cyclones racked up 507 total yards, including 365 rushing yards as a team. On defense, the Cyclones held Bowling Green to just 186 yards and only one touchdown. This was Iowa State's final non-conference game before they start Big 12 play against Utah next Saturday.Here are my player grades after Iowa State's win over Bowling Green.
Aiden Flora (#21, HB)
In the game against Bowling Green, Flora exploded. He scored two touchdowns and ran for 194 yards on only 12 carries. The speed and agility of Flora were clearly shown in that game as he was able to score a 61-yard touchdown. He also proved his value on special teams with a remarkable 66-yard punt return for a touchdown. This may be the start to a breakout season for the Iowa State back.
Grade: A+
Jaylen Raynor (#1, QB)
After a game in which Raynor completed 117 yards and scored one touchdown, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt against Iowa in the Cy-Hawk rivalry, I had high expectations for his performance against Bowling Green's defense. In that game against the Falcons' secondary, Raynor gained 133 passing yards, scored one touchdown, and threw one interception in 17 pass attempts. He was able to use his legs more in this one, with 60 yards on the ground. Although his overall performance was not bad, I feel like I needed to see more in the passing game to build my confidence in the Cyclone passing attack.
Grade: C
Arnold Barnes III (#3, HB)
Barnes is showing he can be a strong option in the backfield. He ran for 63 yards, averaged 4.8 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns against Bowling Green. His physical style, combined with Flora’s speed and agility, could give the Cyclones a great one-two punch on offense. I think Barnes will get more involved as the season goes on, especially since the Cyclones plan to focus on the run game in their first year under head coach Jimmy Rogers and offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl.
Grade: B
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