Halftime -- Dog day afternoon

Ugly is an understatement.

During a first half that saw five interceptions, the Iowa Hawkeyes finally cashed in, with Ricky Stanzi's 18-yard TD pass to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos giving Iowa a 14-3 halftime lead at Jack Trice Stadium.

On Iowa's first drive, Stanzi was picked by safety David Sims. On ISU's drive, quarterback Austen Arnaud returned favor, with linebacker Jeff Tarpinian tipping a pass to strong safety Tyler Sash.

Iowa State drew first blood on Grant Mahoney's 46-yard moon shot that would've been good from 55. It capped an 11 play, 46-yard drive and gave ISU a 3-0 lead with 2:33 left in the first quarter.

But then Iowa State's coaching staff went for the gusto.

The Cyclones tried on onsides kick that Iowa linebacker Bruce Davis recovered. The Hawkeyes took over at ISU's 41 and four plays later made the Cyclones pay for that high-risk gamble.

Stanzi hooked up with wide receiver Trey Stross for a 17-yard gain. A late hit penalty on ISU's Kennard Banks moved the ball to the Cyclones' 12.

Running back Adam Robinson burst to the left for 11 yards, setting up Stanzi's 1-yard TD pass to fullback Brett Morse for a 7-3 Iowa lead.

Then, it was back to the picks.

On third-and-8 from ISU's 22, Stanzi missed a wide-open Tony Moeaki for what likely would've been a first down near ISU's 10. The ball traveled 10 feet over Moeaki's head and into the hands of Banks, who returned the ball to ISU's 45.

Iowa's defense held the Cyclones to a three-and-out.

Arnaud's second pick came on ISU's next drive. This time, free safety Brett Greenwood tipped an Arnaud pass to Sash, who returned the ball 31 yards to ISU's 24.

On third-and-4 from ISU's 18, Stanzi lofted a perfect pass to DJK, who made a great grab on perfect coverage by Kennard Banks. DJK stayed on the ground after having the wind knocked out of him.

It was 14-3 Iowa with 2:56 left.

ISU marched to Iowa's 40, but Arnaud threw right to Greenwood for his third pick and a 14-3 Iowa lead at halftime.