Cyclones’ freshman quarterback making difference for offense

A MES, IOWA» Thanks to Brock Purdy, Iowa State’s playbook suddenly has many more options.

Purdy’s stunning performance in the upset of Oklahoma State in what essentially was the college debut for the true freshman gave the offense a new look and a new sense of confidence.

Iowa State is still last in the Big 12 in total offense and ninth in scoring, but there’s now a feeling that if Purdy proves to be the real deal, those numbers will improve in the weeks ahead.

“Our playbook is certainly a vast playbook. We can do a lot of things,” coach Matt Campbell said. “With Brock’s opportunity to get in the football game, he certainly opened up some playbook pages that we were able to get to.”

The difference with Purdy, the third quarterback to play extensively for the Cyclones this season, is that he can run. He kept Oklahoma State off balance last weekend with that threat while passing for 318 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 84 yards and another score in the 4842 victory.

The 402 total yards are the eighthhighest figure in school history. Before Saturday, Purdy’s only experience had been two plays against Akron three weeks ago.

“Brock moves out of the pocket, so you have to move with him,” said wide receiver Tarique Milton, a redshirt freshman who had a breakout game of his own with four catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. “He’s a mobile quarterback, so I guess it probably caught Oklahoma State by surprise and probably opened up more new opportunities in our offense.”

Kyle Kempt began the season as Iowa State’s starting quarterback, but he hasn’t played since hurting his left knee in the fourth quarter of a Sept. 9 loss at Iowa. Zeb Noland started the next four games, including Oklahoma State.