Iowa State ended their 13-year home losing streak against Iowa with a 16-13 victory. However, a controversial punt call in the first half left Cyclone fans questioning the officiating.
What Exactly Happened on the Controversial Punt Play?
According to HawkCentral live coverage, Xavier Townsend had the punt “barely graze his left forearm” before Iowa recovered possession. Officials reviewed the play and upheld the call, giving Iowa the ball at strong field position.
After review the ruling on the field is upheld, and it’s @HawkeyeFootball ball! pic.twitter.com/47W15BhkPj
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 6, 2025
The controversy centers on whether Iowa interfered with the returner before the ball touched him. In college football, the receiving team must have a clear opportunity to catch the punt without interference from the kicking team.
Officials initially threw a flag for kick catch interference, but then picked it up after further discussion. The ball also appeared to bounce off Iowa’s Zach Lutmer before the Hawkeyes recovered it, which made fans furious about the call.
Hawkeyes QB Mark Gronowski capitalized immediately, scrambling 13 yards to set up a Drew Stevens field goal. The sequence proved crucial in a defensive battle where every possession matters.
Iowa State supporters erupted on social media with their reactions.
One user said, “How is this not kick catch interference?!”
How is this not kick catch interference?!
— Chad Kitchen (@cwardkitchen) September 6, 2025
Another said, “You gotta be high or blind! That was both interference and a Hawkeye touched it first.”
You gotta be high or blind! That was both interference and a Hawkeye touched it first. WTF are these refs thinking? That’s terrible awful officiating!
— Jeff Koolmo (@Koolmo22) September 6, 2025
A third fan clarified, “That is clearly kick catch interference, he was not blocked into him.”
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Another blamed, “This is literally all they do… why even put yourself in position to give them that ball?”
This is literally all they do… why even put yourself in position to give them that ball? Dumb decision
— Del Griffith (@Whe8615) September 6, 2025
The heated reactions reflected typical Cy-Hawk intensity, where controversial calls become lasting memories in this bitter rivalry.
How Did Iowa State Finally Break Their Home Losing Streak?
Iowa State came into Saturday feeling confident after beating Kansas State and South Dakota, but they still carried the burden of not winning at home against Iowa since 2011.
The Cyclones came out strong in the first quarter, with Kyle Konrardy connecting on two early field goals to build a 6-0 lead.
The controversial punt call helped Iowa respond and keep the game close, with Mark Gronowski using the field position to score a touchdown just before halftime, making it 13-10 Iowa State.
Both quarterbacks struggled throughout the contest. Becht completed 18 of 27 passes for 134 yards, while Gronowski managed just 83 yards passing and threw a crucial interception. This defensive battle lived up to every expectation for a Cy-Hawk battle, as neither team could establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
With the game tied 13-13, Konrardy kicked the winning field goal with two minutes left, giving Matt Campbell his first victory over Iowa at home in Ames.
Here is how the celebration looked from my vantage point on the field after the #cyclones thrilling 16-13 win over Iowa. ISU wins #CyHawk third time in four years. Kyle Konrardy had a 54-yard FG for the deciding points…2nd year in a row to hit a 54-yarder to win it! #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/I3InA2Facu
— Scott Reister (@scottreister) September 6, 2025
The win moved Iowa State to 3-0 and ended years of heartbreak for a program that had come so close against Iowa in previous seasons.
