However, the most productive wide receiver after Higgins and Noel was Carson Brown. He had recorded just nine receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown entering Saturday.
The Cyclones gave fans a glimpse Saturday of what their offense could potentially look like next year. Although the other receivers may not have had as many targets as Noel or Higgins, they competed against the Hurricanes and found the rhythm with Becht.
Burkle had his first touchdown reception and had four catches for 54 yards. Isaiah Alston made a pair of crucial grabs, his first two receiving yards since transferring from Army, and finished the game with 52 receiving yards on two catches. Eli Green and Brown also had a few receptions to keep their scoring streak going.
Also not to be overlooked is running back Carson Hansen, who had a total of 95 yards of offense and was responsible for three touchdowns.
Miami entered Saturday’s game leading the country in numerous offensive categories, including an FBS-best 44.2 points per game and 538.2 total yards per game.
Although Heisman Trophy finalist and projected first-round draft pick Cam Ward only played in the first half on Saturday, the Cyclones’ offense kept pace with the high-powered Hurricanes.
Both teams exchanged touchdowns on a total of eight consecutive drives.
“It’s just the next drive and we’re going in and out,” Hansen said of the back-and-forth battle. “It was still a team win. The defense held up later in the game and it was just a great win.”
The Hurricanes took the lead into halftime with a last-minute field goal, but the Cyclones were right behind.
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Iowa State trailed for most of the second half but delivered when it mattered most. The Cyclones joined the best offense in the country and overtook them in the final minute.
While they will be missing offensive catalysts like Higgins and Noel next season, there were glimpses of a bright future.
But for now, they rejoice in the present, recognize the seniors who paved the way for them, and enjoy a celebratory Pop-Tart.
“When we took the job and got to Iowa State, they said, ‘Man, you’re going to the coaching graveyard,'” Campbell said. “Now, nine years later, to be able to sit here and look at what these young men stand for and what so many have done before them. (In) 2017 David Montgomery and Joel Lanning and Allen Lazard. Then comes Brock (Purdy) and what he was able to do with Breece Hall, Charlie Kolar, Chase Allen and Will McDonald and some great players.
“Now that they can sit here today, they’ll talk about Jaylin Noel forever, and they’ll talk about Beau (Freyler) forever, and they’ll talk about Rocco forever. That’s just very valuable.” “
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com . Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5 .
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