Rocco Becht passed for 277 yards and threw two touchdown passes to help No. 16 Iowa State secure a 43-21 victory over Baylor on Saturday night.
The Cyclones (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) came back from an early deficit and also overcame another one in the third quarter, marking their best start since 1980. Baylor (2-4, 0-3) suffered its third consecutive loss.
“I think it’s the mental toughness that everybody has and the ability to stay consistent,” Becht said. “The ability to keep our head down and keep driving no matter what the score and record is.”
Becht’s touchdown passes were 10 yards to Benjamin Brahmer and 11 yards to Jayden Higgins, who has now caught a touchdown pass in seven straight games. Becht completed 16 of 25 passes for 277 yards.
“I can’t say enough about what this kid has done for us,” said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. “He’s playing as good as anyone right now and I’m really proud of what he’s done.”
Jaylon Jackson led the Cyclones’ rushing game with 107 yards and scored his first two touchdowns for Iowa State after transferring from Eastern Michigan.
“It felt amazing,” Jackson said. “Shoutout to the offensive line and all my teammates and coaches that allowed it to happen.”
The Cyclones rushed for 265 yards, marking their third straight game with over 200 rushing yards, and finished with a total of 542 yards, their highest in two seasons.
Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns but also had one interception. His touchdown passes were 4 yards to Josh Cameron, 8 yards to Michael Trigg, and 25 yards to Ketron Jackson Jr.
“We started fast and with a lot of good energy and execution, but at times we had some missed executions,” said Baylor head coach Dave Aranda.
