West Virginia’s defensive struggles continued as Iowa State scored twice in the final 6:08 to rally past the Mountaineers, 45-42, in a wild Big 12 shootout at Jack Trice Stadium.

WVU battled back from a 28-14 third-quarter deficit, scoring 21 of the next 24 points to take the lead. Michael Hawkins Jr. scored on a 7-yard run, while Cam Cook added touchdown runs of 9 and 8 yards to put West Virginia in front, 35-31.

Iowa State responded immediately. Aiden Flora broke free for a 63-yard touchdown before Hawkins found DJ Epps for a 47-yard score that put WVU back ahead, 42-38, with just over five minutes remaining.

But the Cyclones had the final answer. Flora capped another scoring drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:57 left, and Iowa State recovered an Epps fumble on WVU’s final possession to seal the victory. Flora finished with 212 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns and two touchdown passes.

Hawkins accounted for 376 total yards, throwing for 227 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 149 yards. Cook added 142 rushing yards and two scores, while Epps finished with 114 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Iowa State piled up 577 total yards and 29 first downs, leaving head coach Rich Rodriguez frustrated after WVU surrendered more than 1,100 yards over consecutive Big 12 losses.

West Virginia falls to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play, while Iowa State improves to 3-2 and 1-1 in the conference.
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