HOLY MO-LEE
Lee Leads the Way as Iowa State Rallies Past No. 15 UNLVOn a day when postseason stakes loomed large, Iowa State running back Dylan Lee turned Jack Trice Stadium into his personal stage.
Lee rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns, earning Player of the Game honors as No. 25 Iowa State stormed back to defeat No. 15 UNLV in a statement win that reshaped the Cyclones’ season and sent a clear message to the rest of the country.
UNLV (7–2) struck first, opening the game with a long touchdown run by quarterback Treston McMillan that immediately silenced the home crowd. The Rebels continued to showcase their explosiveness with a play-action touchdown pass and another scoring run, grabbing early control and forcing Iowa State to respond.
That response came, again and again, from Lee.
The Cyclones’ star back broke through the UNLV defense on his first touchdown run, patiently following his blockers before bursting into the open field and rolling into the end zone. As the game wore on, Lee only grew stronger. Time after time, he punished the Rebels between the tackles, wearing down the defense and setting the tone for Iowa State’s offense.
By halftime, Iowa State had steadied itself, staying within striking distance thanks to Lee’s consistent production and a balanced offensive attack. Then, early in the second half, the Cyclones seized control.
After a critical UNLV turnover, Lee delivered the game’s biggest swing — a home-run touchdown run, bursting through a crease, outrunning defenders, and flipping momentum squarely in Iowa State’s favor. It was the defining play of the afternoon and a preview of what was to come.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Cyclones clinging to a narrow lead, there was little mystery about the plan. Iowa State put the ball back in Lee’s hands. He responded with a bruising, clock-chewing drive, finishing it himself by powering into the end zone for his third rushing touchdown of the game. Iowa State added the two-point conversion and never looked back.
UNLV made one final push, but Iowa State sealed the win with a late touchdown pass, putting the game out of reach and punctuating a dominant second-half performance.
In the end, this game belonged to Dylan Lee. His vision, patience, and late-game power turned a tight contest into a signature victory, lifting Iowa State to 8–2 and firmly into the national conversation.
As November football tightens and margins shrink, the Cyclones now know exactly who they can lean on — and after Saturday, the rest of the country does too.
PASSING LEADER
T. McMillan -- 13/28, 160 yds, 2 TD
RUSHING LEADER
K. Williams -- 14 att, 123 yds, 2 TD
RECEIVING LEADER
D. Irvin Jr -- 1 rec, 83 yds, TD
PASSING LEADER
J. Kohl -- 36/43, 466 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
RUSHING LEADER
D. Lee -- 27 att, 229 yds, 3 TD
RECEIVING LEADER
S. Rigby -- 10 rec, 207 yds, TD
for real
