Full Breakdown
Iowa State and Michigan State Shine in Week Two College Football Honors
9/9/2025, 7:16:02 PM
Iowa State's Gritty Victory Over Iowa
In a closely contested Cy-Hawk rivalry game, the Iowa State Cyclones secured a 16-13 victory against the Iowa Hawkeyes, marking their first home win in this rivalry since 2011. Key performances came from kicker Kyle Konrardy and defensive lineman Tamatoa McDonough, both of whom received Big 12 weekly awards for their contributions. Konrardy, named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, successfully converted three field goals, including a decisive 54-yarder with just 1:52 left in the game, contributing 10 of Iowa State's 16 points. McDonough, who earned the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor, made critical plays in the game's final moments, recording back-to-back sacks that thwarted Iowa's drive to tie or win the game.
The Iowa State defensive line also received recognition as the Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week, showcasing a strong performance against a highly regarded Iowa offensive line. Domonique Orange and his teammates played pivotal roles in limiting Iowa's offensive effectiveness.
Michigan State's Thrilling Double-Overtime Win
Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans triumphed in a thrilling 42-40 double-overtime victory over Boston College, with standout performances from quarterback Aidan Chiles and linebacker Jordan Hall. Chiles was named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for five touchdowns and 270 yards of total offense. His performance included a game-tying rushing touchdown and a game-winning two-point conversion in overtime. Hall, recognized as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, recorded a career-high 15 tackles and a crucial forced fumble, demonstrating resilience and leadership throughout the intense matchup.
Both players faced injuries during the game but returned to contribute significantly, reflecting their commitment to the team's success. Chiles expressed his focus on teamwork, stating, "We go out there and we play football how we know to play football because this team actually wants to do that."
Broader Implications and Rankings
Following these performances, Iowa State climbed to No. 14 in the AP Top 25, the highest-ranked team from the Big 12 this week, while Michigan State's victory solidified their position in the competitive Big Ten landscape. The recognition of these players not only highlights individual achievements but also underscores the importance of teamwork and resilience in college football.
Official Statements & Responses
Iowa State head coach Alex Golesh praised his team's effort and determination in overcoming their rivals, while Michigan State's head coach Jonathan Smith commended Chiles for his growth and performance, noting, "He played, competed, he ran, accuracy with the ball."
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot to like with Aidan in regards to his effort, quarterback play, and decision making,” — Jonathan Smith, Head Coach, Michigan State
- “I just did what I had to do to help my team succeed,” — Aidan Chiles, Quarterback, Michigan State
- “This team is really committed to the goal, and we're all committed to one common goal, and we continue to grow off that,” — Aidan Chiles, Quarterback, Michigan State
- “But I mean I can't take credit all for myself. I mean our O-line did a great job opening up the holes. Coach did a great job making the calls like that. And like I said on that kick return, everybody did a great job doing their job and that's something we took pride on this week. I mean we really want to grow and expand what we can do and, I mean, we got it done.” — Jaden Nixon, Running Back, UCF
What's Next
Both Iowa State and Michigan State look to build on their successes in upcoming games, with Iowa State aiming to maintain their momentum and Michigan State seeking to extend their winning streak as they prepare for their next opponents.
