Iowa State University's football team, the Cyclones, participated in the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl, a college football bowl game that took place on December 29, 2021, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Cyclones faced off against the Clemson Tigers, who represented the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Iowa State entered the bowl game with an 8-4 record during the 2021 regular season, while Clemson boasted an impressive 9-3 record.
The Iowa State Cyclones had a remarkable 2021 season, securing their third consecutive bowl appearance under head coach Matt Campbell. The team showcased a dynamic offense led by quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Breece Hall, and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson. Purdy's exceptional passing ability and Hall's explosive running style had been instrumental in the Cyclones' success throughout the season.
On the other hand, the Clemson Tigers brought a wealth of experience and talent to the Cheez-It Bowl. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei led the Tigers' offense, complemented by a strong running game featuring Will Shipley and Kobe Pace. The Tigers' defense, anchored by several All-ACC selections, had proven formidable throughout the regular season.
With both teams eager to end their seasons on a high note, the stage was set for an intriguing clash in the Cheez-It Bowl. The game promised a captivating battle between Iowa State's high-scoring offense and Clemson's staunch defense. Fans anticipated a thrilling contest between two well-matched teams.
Iowa State Bowl Game 2021
The 2021 Cheez-It Bowl between Iowa State and Clemson featured several key aspects that shaped the game's outcome.
- High-scoring offense
- Staunch defense
- Dynamic quarterback play
- Explosive running game
- Key turnovers
- Penalties
- Coaching decisions
- Fan support
- Historic significance
These elements played a crucial role in determining the final result of the game and left a lasting impact on the teams and their fans.
High-scoring offense
The Iowa State Cyclones showcased their high-scoring offense throughout the 2021 season, and the Cheez-It Bowl was no exception. Quarterback Brock Purdy, a Heisman Trophy candidate, led the Cyclones' aerial attack with his exceptional passing ability. Purdy's pinpoint accuracy and quick decision-making allowed him to exploit the Clemson defense and find open receivers downfield.
Complementing Purdy's passing game was a dynamic running attack led by Breece Hall. Hall, a consensus All-American and one of the top running backs in the nation, showcased his explosive speed and power against the Clemson defense. Hall's ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact kept the Tigers' defense honest and opened up the passing game for Purdy.
Wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson emerged as a reliable target for Purdy, consistently making big plays and moving the chains. Hutchinson's size, athleticism, and strong hands made him a formidable threat in the passing game, and his ability to create separation from defenders was crucial to the Cyclones' success.
The Cyclones' offense operated at a high level throughout the game, keeping the Clemson defense on its heels. Their ability to score points consistently put pressure on the Tigers and ultimately contributed to Iowa State's victory.
The Cyclones' high-scoring offense was a testament to the team's preparation, talent, and execution. Purdy, Hall, Hutchinson, and the rest of the offensive unit played with great chemistry and efficiency, showcasing the strength of the Cyclones' offensive scheme.
Staunch defense
yyb Iowa State sorprendingly came up with key defensive plays at critical moments throughout the game, forcing turnovers and limiting Clemson's explosive plays. The Tigers, who entered the game averaging over 40 points per game, were held to just 20 points by the Cyclones. Iowa State's defense, led by stars like Will McDonald IV and Greg Eisworth, played with great discipline and intensity, making it difficult for Clemson to sustain drives and find a consistent rhythm on offense.The Cyclones' defense was particularly effective in the second half, when they forced three turnovers and held Clemson to just 7 points. This defensive effort helped Iowa State regain momentum and ultimately secure the victory.
Dynamic quarterback play
The Cheez-It Bowl featured two dynamic quarterbacks in Iowa State's Brock Purdy and Clemson's DJ Uiagalelei. Both players showcased their unique talents and abilities throughout the game.
- Brock Purdy: Purdy, a Heisman Trophy candidate, displayed his exceptional passing ability and leadership skills. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns, consistently finding open receivers and making smart decisions under pressure.
- DJ Uiagalelei: Uiagalelei, a highly touted sophomore, showed his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. He completed 18 of 32 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 43 yards and a touchdown. Uiagalelei's ability to extend plays with his legs and make big throws downfield kept the Clemson offense in rhythm.
Both Purdy and Uiagalelei played with great poise and determination, leading their respective offenses to impressive performances. Their dynamic play was a key factor in making the Cheez-It Bowl an exciting and competitive game.
Explosive running game
Both Iowa State and Clemson showcased explosive running games in the Cheez-It Bowl, utilizing talented running backs to create big plays and keep the defenses on their toes.
- Breece Hall (Iowa State): Hall, a consensus All-American and one of the top running backs in the nation, lived up to his reputation with a dominant performance. He carried the ball 28 times for 151 yards and two touchdowns, consistently breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. Hall's ability to create something out of nothing was a major factor in Iowa State's offensive success.
- Will Shipley (Clemson): Shipley, a true freshman, showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker. He rushed for 101 yards on 16 carries, including a 25-yard touchdown run in the second half. Shipley's speed, agility, and vision made him a constant threat to the Iowa State defense.
The explosive running games of Iowa State and Clemson added an exciting element to the Cheez-It Bowl and kept the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.
Key turnovers
Turnovers played a pivotal role in the outcome of the Cheez-It Bowl, as both Iowa State and Clemson committed costly mistakes that shifted the momentum of the game.
Iowa State struck first, forcing a fumble by Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in the first quarter. The Cyclones recovered the ball and capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown, giving them an early lead. This turnover set the tone for the game and gave Iowa State a much-needed boost.
Clemson responded with a turnover of their own in the second quarter, when Iowa State defensive back Anthony Johnson intercepted a pass from Uiagalelei. The Cyclones turned this turnover into another touchdown, extending their lead to 14-0. This interception was a crucial play, as it prevented Clemson from gaining momentum and potentially taking control of the game.
Iowa State's defense continued to come up with big plays, forcing another turnover in the third quarter. This time, it was linebacker Jake Hummel who intercepted a pass from Uiagalelei, giving the Cyclones excellent field position. Iowa State was unable to capitalize on this turnover with points, but it helped to maintain their momentum and keep Clemson's offense off the field.
Overall, turnovers proved to be a decisive factor in the Cheez-It Bowl. Iowa State's ability to force turnovers and capitalize on them was a key reason for their victory.
Penalties
Penalties played a significant role in the Cheez-It Bowl, with both Iowa State and Clemson committing costly mistakes that impacted the flow of the game.
- False starts: Both teams struggled with false start penalties, which resulted in lost yardage and disrupted offensive rhythm. Iowa State committed 5 false starts, while Clemson had 4. These penalties occurred at critical moments, such as on third down or in the red zone, and prevented both offenses from sustaining drives and scoring points.
- Holding: Holding penalties also plagued both teams, particularly in the running game. Iowa State was called for 3 holding penalties, while Clemson had 2. These penalties negated big plays and forced both offenses to start drives behind the chains. In some cases, holding penalties wiped out touchdowns or led to field goal attempts instead of touchdowns.
- Pass interference: Pass interference penalties were another issue for both teams, especially in the second half. Iowa State was called for 2 pass interference penalties, while Clemson had 1. These penalties extended drives and gave the opposing offenses new life. In one instance, a pass interference penalty on Iowa State gave Clemson a first down inside the Cyclones' 10-yard line, leading to a Clemson touchdown.
Overall, penalties were a major factor in the Cheez-It Bowl, as both Iowa State and Clemson failed to maintain discipline and avoid costly mistakes. The teams' inability to control penalties allowed the opposing offenses to stay on the field and score points.
Coaching decisions
The Cheez-It Bowl showcased the strategic decisions and adjustments made by both Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. These decisions played a crucial role in the outcome of the game.
One key decision came early in the game when Iowa State opted to go for it on fourth down in Clemson territory. The Cyclones converted the fourth down attempt and went on to score a touchdown, giving them an early lead. This aggressive decision set the tone for Iowa State's offensive approach throughout the game.
Clemson, on the other hand, faced a crucial decision late in the first half. Trailing 14-0, the Tigers had an opportunity to score a field goal as time expired. However, Swinney elected to go for a touchdown instead. The Tigers failed to convert, and Iowa State took a 14-point lead into halftime.
In the second half, both coaches made adjustments to their offensive and defensive schemes. Iowa State shifted to a more conservative approach, relying on its running game to control the clock and keep Clemson's offense off the field. Clemson, meanwhile, made adjustments to its passing game, finding success with short and intermediate routes.
Overall, the coaching decisions made by Campbell and Swinney had a significant impact on the outcome of the Cheez-It Bowl. Campbell's aggressive play-calling and willingness to take risks paid off for Iowa State, while Swinney's adjustments in the second half helped Clemson stay competitive.
Fan support
The Cheez-It Bowl featured an electric atmosphere thanks to the passionate fan support from both Iowa State and Clemson.
- Iowa State fans: Iowa State fans traveled in large numbers to Orlando and made their presence felt throughout the game. They created a sea of cardinal and gold in the stands and cheered enthusiastically for their team. Their support helped give Iowa State a home-field advantage and played a role in the Cyclones' victory.
- Clemson fans: Clemson fans also made the trip to Orlando and provided strong support for their team. They waved orange towels and chanted Clemson's fight song, creating a lively atmosphere in the stadium. Despite the loss, Clemson fans remained supportive and showed their appreciation for the team's effort.
- Neutral fans: In addition to the Iowa State and Clemson fans, there were also many neutral fans in attendance at the Cheez-It Bowl. These fans enjoyed the exciting matchup and the opportunity to see two talented teams compete. The neutral fans added to the overall atmosphere of the game and made it a memorable experience for all involved.
The fan support at the Cheez-It Bowl was a testament to the passion and dedication of college football fans. The fans created an electric atmosphere that made the game even more enjoyable and memorable.
Historic significance
The Cheez-It Bowl holds historic significance for both Iowa State and Clemson, marking milestones and achievements for both programs.
- Iowa State's first bowl win against a Power Five opponent: The Cyclones' victory over Clemson was their first-ever bowl win against a Power Five opponent. This win marked a significant milestone for Iowa State's football program and showed that the Cyclones are capable of competing with the top teams in the country.
- Clemson's first bowl loss to an unranked opponent since 2011: Clemson's loss to Iowa State was their first bowl loss to an unranked opponent since 2011. This loss snapped Clemson's streak of 10 consecutive bowl wins and showed that the Tigers are not invincible.
- Matt Campbell's first bowl win as Iowa State's head coach: Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell earned his first bowl win as the Cyclones' head coach. This win was a significant accomplishment for Campbell and showed that he is building a successful program in Ames.
The Cheez-It Bowl will be remembered as a historic game for both Iowa State and Clemson. The Cyclones' victory marked a major milestone for their program, while Clemson's loss served as a reminder that even the most dominant teams can be defeated.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl between Iowa State and Clemson:
Question 1: Who won the game?
Iowa State defeated Clemson 20-13.
Question 2: Who was the MVP of the game?
Iowa State running back Breece Hall was named the MVP of the game.
Question 3: What was the halftime score?
Iowa State led 14-0 at halftime.
Question 4: How many fans attended the game?
There were 40,102 fans in attendance at Camping World Stadium.
Question 5: What was the weather like?
The weather was clear and warm, with temperatures in the mid-70s.
Question 6: What was the biggest play of the game?
Iowa State's touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Xavier Hutchinson in the third quarter gave the Cyclones a 20-6 lead and proved to be the game-winning score.
Question 7: What are the implications of the win for Iowa State?
The win gives Iowa State its first-ever bowl victory against a Power Five opponent and shows that the Cyclones are capable of competing with the top teams in the country.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl. For more information, please visit the official website of the game.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for fans attending the Cheez-It Bowl:
Tips
yyb If you're planning on attending the Cheez scraps It Bowl between Iowa State and Clemson, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience: yyb Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle or purchasing one from a vendor. The Florida sun can be unforgiving, so it's important to stay hydrated throughout the day. yyb Arrive early to get good seats and avoid traffic. Parking lots typically open several hours before the game, so it's best to arrive early to secure a good spot and avoid the worst of the traffic. yyb Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Orlando can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before you go and come prepared with appropriate clothing and accessories. yyb Enjoy the game! Cheering on your team is part of the fun, but be sure to also take some time to enjoy the atmosphere and the game itself. yyb By following these tips, you can make your Cheez scraps It Bowl experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable.Conclusion
The 2021 Cheez-It Bowl between Iowa State and Clemson was an exciting and memorable game that will be remembered by fans of both teams for years to come.
Iowa State's victory was a major upset, as the Cyclones were unranked and had never defeated a Power Five opponent in a bowl game before. The win showed that Iowa State is a rising program under head coach Matt Campbell and that they are capable of competing with the top teams in the country.
Clemson's loss was a disappointing end to a season that started with high expectations. However, the Tigers showed their resilience by fighting back in the second half and making the game competitive. Clemson will look to bounce back next season and return to the College Football Playoff.
The Cheez-It Bowl was a great way to end the 2021 college football season. The game was full of excitement and drama, and it will be remembered as one of the best bowl games of the year.