Iowa State Football: Cyclones survive scare from Akron in Week 4

Iowa State Football: Cyclones survive scare from Akron

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 22: During a pre-game moment of silence the Iowa State Cyclones and the Akron Zips wear CBA helmet decals to honor Celia Barquin Arozamena, (pictured on the jumbotron), at Jack Trice Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. Celia Barquin Arozamena, Iowa States 2018 Big 12 Women's Golf Champion, was murdered Monday September 17th while playing golf on a course near the college. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

1. Hakeem Butler has established himself as the go-to guy

Iowa State football lost their most productive wideout in school history, Allen Lazard, to the NFL this past offseason. His 241 career receptions over a span of four seasons are 65 more than the next closest Cyclone, Todd Blythe. That left a massive hole in the depth chart that Hakeem Butler was asked to fill. So far, so good.

Butler is a bit rough around the edges, but he’s excellent when it comes to fighting for the football. Quarterback Zeb Noland picked up on this early and has established a productive rapport with Butler early on this season.

Entering the game against Akron, Butler had eight receptions for 209 yards and two scores. The 26.1 yard per catch leads the Big 12, a conference which includes superstar receivers Marquise Brown, Denzel Mims and David Sills.

On Saturday, Butler came through again. He hauled in a 24-yard strike from Noland in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7. Butler finished with six receptions for 88 yards and the score. It doesn’t matter if it’s two catches or 10, Butler makes the most of his opportunities. Iowa State is going to need more from him going forward.

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