Iowa State Football: 3 overreactions from upset loss to Louisiana

Iowa State football was expected a nice season-opening win over a tough Louisiana team, but the Ragin’ Cajuns stole one in Ames.

When the Big 12 decided to move forward with a 2020 season, giving each team one non-conference battle on top of nine conference games, Matt Campbell probably didn’t expect a matchup with Louisiana would be a nightmare at home.

Iowa State had a 14-10 lead at halftime, but that was as good as it would look for the Cyclones as Louisiana scored 21 straight second-half points to secure a 31-14 road upset.

Brock Purdy had a forgettable game under center after coming into the season as arguably one of the top dark-horse Heisman Trophy contenders. Not only that, but his offense was supposed to take that next step as the Cyclones were considered a preseason favorite to contend for the Big 12 title with Oklahoma.

Special teams were also a disaster for the Cyclones in the loss. They gave up two long touchdown returns to Louisiana which was ultimately the difference.

Campbell and the Cyclones need to get back to the drawing board after this disastrous 0-1 start to the season which dropped them out of the rankings, but first, let’s overreact.