An extra week to rest and a “we can beat anybody” mindset was laid to rest this past weekend in Iowa.

The ULM Warhawks fell 72-20 against the Iowa State Cyclones in their third game of the season.

Saturday’s game in Iowa was filled with missed opportunities early on for the Warhawks. The first two possessions by the Cyclones ended in turnovers.

“We just got beat by a better team,” said ULM head coach Matt Viator.

The game marked the third time in Iowa State history that the Cyclones scored over 70 points and the first time since 1906. The Cyclones also set a school record in total yards with 710.

The loss to Iowa State marks the second consecutive loss the Warhawks face after their season opener win against Grambling State.

A bye-week break before Iowa State gave the Warhawks an extended break before the trip to Ames, Iowa.

Before Saturday’s loss to the Cyclones, the teams had met once. A 42-7 loss back in 1980 was the only time the now-Warhawks faced the Cyclones.

An interception by junior cornerback, Corey Straughter and a recovered fumble by redshirt junior defensive lineman Ty Shelby early in the first quarter all ended in vain for the Warhawks.

The team had the first opportunity to strike when they made a field goal early in the first quarter. Unfortunately, the initial kick was called off for a flag and the ensuing kick went wide.

After the missed field goal, all went bad for the Warhawks.

“We had a couple turnovers early but couldn’t find a way to get them off the field,” Viator said.

A halftime score of 27-13 brought hope for a second half comeback like the one seen against Florida State. The comeback never materialized for ULM.

Seven points in the third quarter were all the team could manage. Iowa added 45 to their tally.

All was not bad in Iowa this weekend. Redshirt junior running back Josh Johnson has now gone three consecutive games with a touchdown.

Like the game against Florida State, the Warhawks have continued to struggle early on. Getting on the scoreboard in the first quarter is becoming difficult for the team as well as converting on third down. The team went eight of 17 on third down conversions.

The Warhawks defense struggled the most against a quick passing Cyclone quarterback, Brock Purdy. The Cyclones’ quarterback passed for over 400 yards against ULM, a career high. Purdy completed 21 out of 27 passes.

“They did a good job throwing and catching and we didn’t have an answer,” Viator said.

The Warhawks return home for their Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama. Kickoff is set for six p.m.