Iowa State Football: Cyclones get Purdy to stun Oklahoma State

3. Brock Purdy makes a statement

Give Matt Campbell credit for making a move when his team really needed it, going to freshman Brock Purdy as the starting quarterback after one drive.

Zeb Noland looked decent over the first month after replacing Kyle Kempt, but it was obvious the Cyclones needed a spark. Campbell got that – and more – in Purdy.

Coming into the game, Noland had six carries on the year for minus-3 yards rushing. In his first game under center, Purdy carried the ball a team-high 19 times for 84 yards, giving Iowa State that much-needed dual-threat at the position.

Purdy, who was recruited by Alabama out of high school in Gilbert, Arizona, completed 18 of 23 for 318 yards with four touchdowns. He found fellow freshman Tarique Milton four times for 98 yards and a score, including a 60-yard pass.

Big plays were made all around the field, as Landen Akers hauled in a 55-yard pass and Hakeem Butler had a 40-yard catch. Purdy also made a 29-yard run and the Cyclones had two more runs over 12 yards.

Campbell will have a decision to make at quarterback, especially when Kyle Kempt returns, but if Saturday was the deciding factor, Purdy will be starting next week.