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West Virginia tops Iowa State, 31-24
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West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, right, drops back to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Friday, in Ames, Iowa. -
Iowa State quarterback Sam Richardson, left, scrambles as he is pulled down by West Virginia defensive lineman Shaq Rowell, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, in Ames, Iowa. -
Iowa State defensive back Deon Broomfield (26) chases down West Virginia running back Shawne Alston (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, in Ames, Iowa.
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AMES, Iowa -- Tavon Austin scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass, then rushed for the 2-point conversion to lead West Virginia to a 31-24 win against Iowa State in the fourth quarter on Friday night.
The Mountaineers not only snapped a five-game losing streak but became bowl eligible with the win, moving to 6-5, 3-5 in the Big 12 Conference.
The Cyclones threatened on the team's last drive, reaching the West Virginia 7 thanks to a personal foul call on a failed third down attempt that sent an irate coach Dana Holgorsen onto the field from the sidelines.
But one play later Cyclones running back Jeff Woody fumbled on the 1-yard line, and the ball was recovered by safety Karl Joseph in the end zone for a touchback.
West Virginia managed to eat up time on the clock to hang on for the win.
Midway through the fourth quarter the team's traded slim leads on field goals.
First Tyler Bitancurt hit a 35-yard field goal to give West Virginia a 23-2.
But Iowa State's Edwin Arceo drilled a 49-yard field goal with the wind at his back to get Iowa State a 24-23 lead with just 6:42 to play in the game.
Then came Austin's game-changing play.
First Published November 23, 2012 7:04 pm
