The Tiger defense started things off, as Kevin Rutland intercepted the pass from Iowa State quarterback Austin Arnaud. The Tigers then came out on offense and got things going with a nice run of thirteen yards by Derrick Washington. That was followed by a 17 yard pass to senior Danario Alexander. The Tigers trickled down the field and capped off the drive with a Derrick Washington four yard touchdown run. The drive went 55 yards in 6 plays. The next drive by Iowa State started slowly as the Tiger defense stuffed them on first and second down, but a big third down conversion from Arnaud to Darius Darks kept the drive alive. The Cyclones used the pass to move down the field to score. The drive was capped off with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Jake Williams on a halfback pass from Alexander Robinson. The drive went 9 plays for 73 yards. Arnaud completed 4 of 5 passes for 49 yards on the drive.
The Tigers came out firing right away on the next drive as Gabbert found Alexander on the first play for a Tiger first down. With that reception Alexander broke the single season school receiving yardage record. Next play was another first down as Gabbert scrambled for 13 yards. A facemask penalty put the Tigers in the redzone, but they had to settle for a Grant Ressel 20 yard field goal. The drive went 14 plays for 75 yards.
The Tigers lead 10-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers dominated the time of possesion as they had the ball for 10:04, while the Cyclones had it for 4:56.
The Cyclones were set up with good field position by the nice return by David Sims. After setting up for a 53 yard field goal the Cyclones attempted to fake it, but was stopped by the Tiger D.
The Cyclones drove right down the field on the Tiger defense. The drive was highlighted by some short plays and a fourth down conversion in the redzone as the Cyclones controlled the ball. The drive went 12 plays for 45 yards in 5:04. It was capped off by a 34 yard field goal by Grant Mahoney,which tied the game at 10 apiece.
After a Mizzou turnover, the Cyclones took over in their own territory with one minute left to play and moved down the field. The drive was capped off with a 39 yard touchdown pass from Austen Arnaud to Darius Darks. They moved the ball down the field in 4 plays for 66 yards.
Going into the half the Cyclones lead the Tigers 17-10. Austen Arnaud was 16-22 for 170 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Blaine Gabbert was 12-18 for 123 yards. Danario Alexander had 5 receptions for 56 yards.