What Campbell told Sanders postgame
AMES, Iowa — As Iowa State fans began to storm the field following the 24-21 win over No. 9-ranked Oklahoma State, Cyclones coach Matt Campbell sought out a quarterback.
Not his own. OSU's. Campbell stopped Spencer Sanders and delivered a message. Just earlier in the week, Campbell spoke glowingly about Sanders. He was even more of a fan Saturday night.
“He was just telling me I played an excellent game and he loved the way I played,” Sanders said.
“He was just creating conversation with me. He wanted to walk with me and have security with me so he can walk me off the field, which I really appreciate.”
On a day the Cowboys' perfect season ended along with their eight-game winning streak, their third-year quarterback shined in a variety of ways.
Sanders completed 15 of 24 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns. He rushed for 29. He made impressive throws. He was steady making decisions.
“I thought he played good,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “He made some throws. I felt like that he played good. He ran the ball OK at times and scrambled around and made a few plays. Again, without watching the tape, I was pleased from the sideline how he played.”
Sanders, however, hesitated to agree with Gundy.
He was sullen, feeling he could have done more.
“I made too many mistakes,” said Sanders, who did not have a turnover. “It just can't happen.”
But it was Sanders who completed impressive touchdown throws on deep passes to Brennan Presley and Tay Martin. Sanders made good plays running the ball.
The Cowboys did convert 2 of 10 third downs.
“Just keeping us on the field,” Sanders said about what he could have done better.
Even OSU offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn balked at Sanders' own evaluation.
“Right now, I think he played pretty well, too,” Dunn said.
And Dunn's advice is very minimal. “I think everybody's gotta hurt right now,” he said. “This has been a long time now since we've had this conversation and it sucks. He'll work through it, like we all will.”
‘Size is deceptive’
Iowa State defensive back Isheem Young is 5-foot-10. Safety Greg Eisworth II is 6-feet.
They both have the advantage against OSU's Presley, who is just a 5-8 sophomore.
But perhaps that's what makes him so dangerous, especially on a deep ball in double coverage from Young and Eisworth.
“Size is deceptive,” Presley said. With 59 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Presley made a wild leaping catch in the end zone over both Young and Eisworth for a 42-yard touchdown and 14-7 lead.
“That was a hell of a catch,” Dunn said. “He got up for that one. But you should see his calves.”
Presley also made a diving catch for a touchdown in the first quarter. He caught nine passes for 84 yards.
Brown’s range was nearly tested again
OSU kicker Tanner Brown missed both field goals — a 32-yarder and a 50yarder.
But Gundy was still comfortable giving Brown another shot, should the Cowboys have reached his range on their final drive.
“His range is there,” Gundy said. “I'm OK with him from 50.”
Brown's 50-yard attempt early in the game was wide right by a few feet. His second miss just missed to the right, but almost nearly over the right post.
Cowboys burned by explosive plays
Throughout the season, OSU's opponents have had little success with big offensive plays.
But the Cyclones broke through. Iowa State had five plays of 15 or more yards, including two on the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Breece Hall turned a screen into a 30yard gain. Receiver Tarique Milton turned a short pass into 33 yards as well.
“It resulted in some explosive plays,” OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “We've been good against explosive plays. We gave up one too many.
“That's not the players' fault. That's just me making sure I put them in the best position. We can all do better.”