Photo: Cyclones.com
(Orlando, FL) -- The Iowa State Cyclones lose the Cheez-It Bowl, falling to Clemson 20-13.
The Cyclones found themselves down 20-3 with 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, after a pick-six thrown by Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy.
The Purdy pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage, which found its way back to Purdy, who volleyball bumped the ball back into the air. The ball eventually found the hands of Clemson cornerback Mario Goodrich, who ran the ball into the endzone for a commanding 17-point lead for the Tigers.
Even though the Cyclones were down by three possessions, Iowa State still had two chances to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.
The first attempt to tie the game in the fourth quarter ended in a punt after Clemson defensive end K.J. Henry sacked Purdy on 3rd & 14 with 4:30 remaining in the game.
After forcing a three and out, the Cyclones received a punt with 1:41 remaining in the game on their own 10 yard line. Iowa State moved the ball to the Cyclone 36 yard line for a critical 4th & 2.
Purdy ran the ball past the line to gain, but ran into a teammate, fumbling the ball. Purdy recovered the fumble, but behind the line to gain, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Purdy completed 22 of 39 passes for 204 yards, but his turnovers proved costly for the Cyclones. The fumble was the second turnover for the senior quarterback, and marked the end of the game.
Shortly after the recovery, Clemson players grabbed a Gatorade container full of Cheez-Itz, dunking Coach Dabo Swinney in the first-ever Cheez-It bath.
The Cyclones finish the season 7 and 6 with the loss, dropping four of their final six games along the way.