Cyclones Stop Jayhawks: Iowa Time Machine October 7, 1989

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On October 7, 1989, Cyclone cornerback Marcus Robertson forced a fumble for a touchback to secure ISU's win over Kansas. Robertson’s head-up defensive play helped carry the Cyclones to a 24-20 victory over the Jayhawks.

Coach Jim Walden’s Cyclones arrived in Lawrence with a 2-2 record. Iowa State stumbled out of the gate, falling 14-0 before bursting out for three touchdowns in the second quarter. The game featured 72 passes, and Iowa State’s Bret Oberg set a career-high for passing yardage. As the Cyclones held a narrow 24-14 lead late in the third quarter, Kansas marched down the field.

Kansas quarterback Kelly Donohoe threw a 71-yard pass to Jim New. Robertson chased New and punched the ball out at the 1-yard line. The pigskin skittered through the endzone, avoiding the touchdown and giving the Cyclones possession at the 1-yard line. Running back Blaise Bryant helped the Cyclones ice the victory, racking up 126 yards on 25 carries.

“He’d (New) been waving the ball around the whole game,” Robertson said when asked about his key play. “When he got past me, I ran him down and purposely tried to knock the ball loose. Luckily, it worked.” #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar