AMES, Ia. — A win is a win, right?
It was ugly, and a sold-out Jack Trice Stadium never really got fully charged, but 24th-ranked Iowa State started arguably its most anticipated season in history with a 29-26 win in three overtimes against Northern Iowa.
Sheldon Croney Jr.'s 1-yard score in the third extra period got the job done. That was only possible because Brock Purdy fell on his fumble on the previous play.