Rocco Becht scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak on fourth down with 56 seconds left and No. 18 Iowa State edged No. 13 Miami 42-41 on Saturday in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Orlando, Fla. The Cyclones trailed by four points with just over two minutes remaining, but Becht led a masterful drive to put his team in position to win. On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Becht called his own number and plunged forward, breaking the plane of the goal line to give Iowa State the lead.
The touchdown was the culmination of a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams trade blows throughout the afternoon. Miami came out strong, building an early lead behind the arm of its talented quarterback. But Iowa State refused to back down, with Becht and his receiving corps making big play after big play to stay within striking distance.
As the game wore on, the intensity only increased. Both teams made crucial mistakes, but it was the Cyclones who capitalized on the most critical error of the day. With the Hurricanes driving for a potential game-sealing score, Iowa State's defense came up with a huge stop, giving Becht and company one last chance to win it.
And win it they did. The Cyclones' final drive will be remembered for years to come, a testament to the will and determination of Becht and his teammates. As the quarterback snuck forward for the winning score, the Iowa State sideline erupted in a frenzy of cheers and hugs. It was a moment that will be etched in the memories of Cyclones fans forever, a thrilling conclusion to a wild and entertaining game.
For Miami, the loss will be a tough pill to swallow. The Hurricanes had come so close to victory, only to see it slip through their fingers in the end. But they can take pride in their own performance, which was marked by big plays and a never-say-die attitude. In the end, it was simply not enough to overcome the heroic efforts of Becht and the Cyclones.
The win marked a triumphant end to the season for Iowa State, which had faced its share of challenges and setbacks along the way. But through it all, the Cyclones had persevered, relying on their toughness and resilience to overcome adversity. And now, they can bask in the glory of a thrilling bowl victory, one that will send them into the offseason with momentum and excitement.