Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
No. 23 Iowa State suffered a shocking 31–14 upset to Louisiana in its season opener at an empty Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday.
Junior quarterback Brock Purdy and the Cyclones' offense struggled to move the ball down the field against the energetic Rajin' Cajuns and their explosive special teams.
Iowa State attempted a late fourth-quarter rally after reaching Louisiana's 40-yard. However, after two incomplete passes by Purdy, his throw to Chase Allen on third-and-10 was broken up by Percy Butler. The Rajin' Cajuns extended their 24–14 lead with an 11-play drive that resulted in Trey Ragas's 2-yard touchdown run.