Aiden Flora's big day sinks BGSU in 55-7 loss to Iowa State

The Bowling Green Falcons (0-3) continue a season from hell, taking a 55-7 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones (2-1) on Saturday afternoon in which they allowed 723 yards between offense and special teams.

The Falcons defense looked good early, forcing an early Iowa State field goal attempt from 54 yards out on the Cyclones' first possession– which sailed wide– but the offense went three-and-0ut, putting the defense right back on the field. The Falcons were sliced for passes of 35 and 11 yards before Jaylen Reynor polished off the drive with a 34-yard touchdown pass to put Iowa State up 7-0 at the 5:28 mark of the first quarter.

BG's offense found an explosive play on the next drive, with Jay Kastantin connecting with Winn Sharp on a broken-coverage 59-yard touchdown reception, set-up by a 14-yard Austyn Dendy rush, tying the game at 7.

The relief was short-lived; former Bowling Green Falcon Cameron Pettaway returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards the other way for a touchdown, giving Iowa State the lead back at 14-7 with 3:45 remaining in the first quarter.

The Falcons offense was kept to three-and-out on the next possession, but the defense managed to step up to preserve a one-score gap, as Drey Braxton got in front of a sailing Raynor pass to give BG the ball back at at the Falcon 14-yard line.

A second-consecutive three-and-out for BG on offense would lead to immediate success for Iowa State, as halfback Aiden Flora ran right up the middle of the Falcon defense for a 61-yard touchdown rush on the first play from scrimmage to go up 21-7 late first quarter.

BGSU had finally found some rhythm on offense in a quarter-spanning drive, gaining 31 yards on five plays to get into Iowa State territory– but a fumble by Kastantin would be recovered by ISU's Sullivan Schlimgen. The turnover was converted to points on an Arnold Barnes touchdown run, with another Aiden Flora run from 42 yards out just a few minutes later putting the scoreboard at a 35-7 margin at the halftime break.

The Falcons would punt the ball on all four of their remaining full offensive possessions in the second half– including two three-and-outs– en route to a 55-7 loss which featured an Aiden Flora punt return touchdown from 66 yards out, a second Barnes rushing touchdown to cap off an 16-play, 92-yard drive lasting over eight minutes and two field goals from Kyle Konrardy.

It was a humiliating day for the Falcons, who gave up 504 yards of offense to the Cyclones, including 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns to ISU halfback Aiden Flora on just 12 carries. Arnold Barnes (13 carries, 63 yards) also plowed his way to two rushing scores, while Jaylen Raynor managed the game at 11-of-17 for 133 yards, a TD and an interception. On the day, the Cyclones managed 7.4 yards per play and punted only once.

BG special teams had it worse, giving up 216 yards between punt and kick returns, as well as a touchdown in both formations.

Both Jay Kastantin (8-of-17, 97 yards, TD) and Austin Novosad (1-of-5, -1 yard) got play at quarterback for BG. Ke'marion Baldwin led the team with 38 yards, with Austyn Dendy limited to 37 yards on a team-leading 11 carries. Winn Sharp's 59-yard receiving TD was all the success the receivers had, with the rest combining for 37 yards.

Linebacker Dorian Pringle once again led the Falcons defensively, with nine tackles. Cashmire Lewis collected the team's lone sack, while AJ Odom forced a fumble and Dray Braxton notched an early interception.

BGSU now returns home to try and find a happy ending to the non-conference season, hosting South Florida of the American Conference next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Eastern time.