AMES, Iowa (AP) — Rocco Becht threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 16 Iowa State to a 43-21 victory over Baylor on Saturday night.

The Cyclones (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) have erased an early deficit and another in the third quarter and are off to their best start since 1980. Baylor (2-4, 0-3) lost its third straight game.

“I think it’s the mental toughness that everyone has and the ability to stay consistent,” Becht said. “The ability to keep our heads down and keep riding regardless of the score and the record”

Becht’s TD passes were 10 yards to Benjamin Brahmer and 11 yards to Jayden Higgins, who extended his streak of games with a touchdown reception to seven. Becht was 16 of 25 for 277 yards.

“I can’t say enough about what this kid has done for us,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “He’s playing as well as anyone at the moment and I’m really proud of what he’s done.”

Jaylon Jackson led the Cyclones’ rushing attack with 107 yards and his first two touchdowns for Iowa State since transferring from Eastern Michigan.

“It felt great,” Jackson said. “Shoutout to the offensive line and all my teammates and coaches who made this happen.”

The Cyclones rushed for 265 yards, their third straight game over 200, and finished with a total of 542 yards, the most in two seasons.

Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. His TD passes were 4 yards to Josh Cameron, 8 yards to Michael Trigg and 25 yards to Ketron Jackson Jr.

“We started fast and with a lot of good energy and execution, but at times we had some missed executions,” Baylor head coach Dava Aranda said.

The takeaway

Baylor: The Bears came into the game coming off two straight close losses, and they opened this game with two long touchdown drives and another to start the second half. Then the offense stopped. The Bears gained just 63 yards on their last four possessions, including an interception and three three-and-outs.

Iowa State: Becht remains a steady presence, and Jackson’s emergence has upgraded the running game.

Survey implications

Iowa State is about to move up a spot or two after losing to the teams before it.

Block party

Iowa State’s blocked punt for a second-quarter touchdown was its first since 2004 against Northern Illinois. Myles Mendeszoon got the block and Caden Matson ran it back 25 yards.

Next

Baylor: Visits Texas Tech next Saturday.

Iowa State: Visits West Virginia next Saturday.

___

Receive poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season long. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll And https://apnews.com/hub/college-football