AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jaylen Raynor made a significant impact in his first game with Iowa State, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more in a decisive 38-10 victory over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday. This win marked the inaugural victory for new head coach Jimmy Rogers, who took over the program in December after Matt Campbell departed for the head coaching position at Penn State.
Rogers faced the challenge of rebuilding the Cyclones' roster, and one of his key acquisitions was Raynor, who transferred from Arkansas State after starting 33 games over three seasons. Raynor wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring on a 7-yard touchdown run during Iowa State's second offensive possession.
As the first quarter progressed, Raynor showcased his dual-threat capabilities by connecting with tight end Vince Benetti for a 24-yard touchdown pass. He continued to build on the momentum, throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Easton Miller in the second quarter, allowing Iowa State to establish a commanding 28-7 lead by halftime.
In total, Raynor completed 8 of 16 passes for 184 yards and added seven carries for 32 rushing yards, capping off his impressive performance with another 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. This versatility highlights Raynor's potential as a key player for the Cyclones this season.
In addition to Raynor's contributions, Iowa State's Aiden Flora added a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, while Kyle Konrardy, one of the few returning players from last season, contributed with a 33-yard field goal in the third quarter. Southeast Missouri State managed to score a touchdown through Chance Wilson's 7-yard run and a 40-yard field goal by Justin Keller, but the Redhawks struggled to keep pace with the Cyclones.
Iowa State dominated the statistical battle, outgaining SEMO 303 to 209 in total offensive yards and controlling the clock with nearly a 14-minute advantage in time of possession. The Cyclones' defense was particularly effective, limiting the Redhawks to just 67 rushing yards, with Southeast Missouri State not registering positive rushing yards until the second half.
Interestingly, the game did not start on time due to a lightning delay, pushing the kickoff back by 30 minutes. Despite the unusual start, Iowa State was able to focus and deliver a strong performance under their new head coach.
Looking ahead, Southeast Missouri State will travel to Southern Illinois next Saturday, while Iowa State prepares for a crucial in-state rivalry game against Iowa on the same day. Both teams will aim to build on their early-season performances as they navigate the challenges of their respective schedules.
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