KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Iowa State dropped its second loss of the season and second consecutive defeat after falling to Kansas 45-36 on Saturday.

The Cyclones were gashed on defense, giving up 45 points and six touchdowns in the matchup. With a significant deficit early, ISU wasn’t able to work back as a late comeback attempt came up short.

Here is the instant analysis.

What happened?

Iowa State took the opening swing with a 99-yard touchdown drive to take an initial lead, but the Cyclones quickly fell out of step on defense. Kansas put together five consecutive scoring drives as it commanded a 31-13 advantage going into halftime.

ISU’s defense was out of position and quarterback Jalon Daniels settled into a rhythm, throwing for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first two quarters. Iowa State wasn’t able to respond in the end zone on the other side of the ball, picking up a pair of field goals instead.

The second half saw Kansas’ dominance continue, as the Jayhawks added a pair of touchdowns to their total. Scores from running backs Carson Hansen and Jaylon Jackson, along with wide receiver Jaylin Noel gave the Cyclones life in the fourth quarter, but a pick-six from quarterback Rocco Becht sealed the loss.

Defense is outpaced

The Cyclones seemed wholly out of position versus Kansas, with multiple big plays and touchdowns allowed with a defender multiple yards out of reach. Daniels was comfortable operating in the pocket and on the run, proving to be a constant threat to carry the ball himself.

Iowa State allowed seven passes beyond 15 yards over the matchup, with 532 total yards given up from the Cyclones. On the ground, running back Devin Neal led the effort with 116 yards and two touchdowns, while Daniels picked up 68 rushing yards and a TD of his own.

Offense finds rhythm but can’t keep up

Iowa State’s offense, which looked out of sync in its loss against Texas Tech, picked up a rhythm as the game carried on. The Cyclones had trouble finishing drives in the first half, but three touchdowns in the second half gave the team an opportunity late.

Quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns against the Jayhawks. But climbing out of a hole in the second half, Iowa State wasn’t able to match the Jayhawks’ offensive output. 

What’s next?

Iowa State will face Cincinnati at home Saturday as it attempts to work out of a two-game skid in November. The Bearcats are 5-4 (3-3 Big 12) on the year so far, looking to bounce back in their own right after a 31-24 loss against West Virginia.

Iowa State will take on Cincinnati at 6 or 7 p.m. on Saturday in Jack Trice Stadium.