Boulder – Bernard Jackson threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Colorado rolled past Iowa State 33-16 Saturday in the Cylcones’ first game since coach Dan McCarney resigned.
McCarney, the longest tenured coach in the Big 12, stepped down Wednesday after 12 years with the Cyclones (3-8, 0-7 Big 12). He’ll wrap up his Iowa State career at home against Missouri next Saturday.
Jackson was 13 of 19 for 200 yards. He also ran for 69 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown sneak in the second quarter.
Colorado’s Mell Holliday rushed for a career-high 126 yards in his final home game.
The Buffaloes (2-9, 2-5 Big 12) entered the contest with the worst scoring offense (14.9) in the Big 12, but scored on their first seven possessions. Colorado had a season-high 463 yards of offense.
Mason Crosby hit four field goals to become the first Colorado player to eclipse the 300-point mark in his career. It’s the fourth time he’s kicked four in a game and second against Iowa State.
Crosby attempted a 65-yard field goal with 5:22 left, and while the kick was on target, it came up just a yard short.
Iowa State quarterback Bret Meyer’s 21-yard touchdown pass to Jon Davis in the first quarter was the 40th of his career, tying Meyer for the school record with Todd Bandhauer (1995-98).
Meyer finished 17 of 28 for 192 yards. He also caught a 19-yard pass from receiver Austin Flynn on a trick play.
Colorado receiver Patrick Williams’ 39-yard catch in the third quarter was his first career touchdown.
Iowa State opened the game with a patchwork offense due to injuries. The Cyclones were without their top two running backs – Stevie Hicks (right knee) and Jason Scales (sprained left ankle) – and receiver Todd Blythe (virus).
Fullback Ryan Kock was moved to tailback and set a career-high for yards (38) on the opening drive. He finished with 82 yards on 18 carries and scored on a 5-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
Davis’ 21-yard touchdown grab was his first catch since suffering a collapsed lung against Kansas State on Oct. 28. He missed last weekend’s game against Kansas.
The Buffaloes came out throwing deep on the opening drive. Alvin Barnett hauled in a 38-yard catch to open the game and had a 26-yard touchdown grab three plays later.
Before the game, Colorado honored 23 seniors playing their final game at Folsom Field. These are players who’ve been through a recruiting scandal, Gary Barnett’s firing last December and the start of a new coaching era with Dan Hawkins.
