WACO, Texas (AP) — Allen Lazard became Iowa State’s career receiving leader with a touchdown catch and the Cyclones clinched a winning conference record for the first time since 2000 with their 23-13 victory at Baylor on Saturday.
Hakeem Butler had a one-handed catch over his shoulder and then broke a tackle for a 67-yard touchdown just before halftime that snapped a 10-all tie and put Iowa State (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) ahead to stay.
The Cyclones snapped a two-game losing streak that had followed a perfect 4-0 October in which they became the only team this season with two wins over top-five opponents. They will play in their first bowl game since 2012.
Baylor (1-10, 1-7) played its home finale in coach Matt Rhule’s first season. The Bears have started 11 true freshmen, including quarterback Charlie Brewer.
Lazard entered the game 26 yards short of Todd Bylthe’s school record 3,096 yards receiving, and surpassed that on his 25th career TD.
David Montgomery ran for 144 yards on 27 carries, going beyond 1,000 yards for the season, but the Iowa State sophomore had to be helped off the field after a run in the fourth quarter when he got bent in a weird direction.
The Cyclones defense stood out like it has through Big 12 play. Baylor was the seventh conference opponent they held at least 10 points below their average. And they keep holding onto the ball on offense. Iowa State still doesn’t have a lost fumble, something no FBS team has ever done over an entire season.
In what was expected to be a tough season, Baylor has lost 10 games for the first time since going 1-10 in 1999.
The bowl-bound Cyclones go to Kansas State on Saturday.