Iowa State football: Sam Richardson sets completion record in 37-30 victory over Toledo

It looked like Iowa State was going to lollygag through another game offensively, but the Cyclones finally figured things out after halftime and scored four touchdowns en route to a huge 37-30 victory over Toledo.

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Sam Richardson threw the ball often and it paid off, completing 37-of-53 passes for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns. Richardson set a new record in pass completions, and he completed 69.8 percent of his passes.

Honestly, most of that production came in the second half. In the first half, Iowa State struggled handling Toledo’s pressure on blitzes. Because the Rockets had a bad secondary, they sent the house constantly and Richardson struggled handling it despite the offensive line picking it up well.

In fact, the offensive line probably played its best collectively all season long. That’s because it didn’t have to deal with injuries in what feels like the first time all year.

Oct 11, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; Toledo Rockets quarterback

Logan Woodside

(11) prepares to pitch against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

After settling for three field goals in the first half, Tad Ecby, Martinez Syria, E.J. Bibbs, and Allen Lazard all saw a touchdown. Richardson looked much more comfortable under center and as soon as the Cyclones were able to push the gas pedal on offense, they could do what they want.

Lazard’s highlight in the first half was just missing on an accurate deep throw by Richardson that would have been six points. He saw the ball a lot more in the second half, grabbing eight catches for 96 yards and that touchdown. D’Vario Montgomery had a great game with a team-high nine catches for 90 yards. Don’t sell Dondre Daley short, who had six catches for 65 yards.

It was an offense we all expected to show up in the first quarter of this game. It was an offense that we all expected to show up in the first game of the season. At least it finally showed up, and Richardson delivered the ball to his tall receivers that could outduel their competition.

Iowa State’s running game had 103 yards. DeVondrick Nealy had 16 carries for 71 yards, Richardson had 13 rushes for 31 yards. Aaron Wimberly was in sweatpants on the sideline.
Jarvis West also didn’t suit up for the Cyclones, still dealing with his injury from last week.
Logan Woodside (Toledo QB) actually had a good stat line passing the ball despite the Rockets’ focus on running. He completed 22-of-36 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.
Terry Swanson filled the void as a backup RB, recording 124 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries. Woodside had 9 rushes for 42 yards.

Now at 2-4, the Cyclones will travel to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns next Saturday, who also have the same overall record.

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