The shutout was the Cyclones’ first since shutting out Kansas (34-0) in 2013. The Cyclone defense was outstanding, holding the Longhorns to just 204 yards of total offense and allowing them to cross the 50-yard line just twice in the game.
The Cyclone defensive dominance started in the first half by holding Texas to just 98 yards of total offense. The lone touchdown of the half came on an 11-play drive that went for 66 yards and was capped off by a three-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman Mike Warren. The Cyclones were 3-for-3 on third down tries on the drive, including a 10-yard scramble by Joel Lanning on a third-and-10 early in the drive.
Cole Netten hit a 28-yard field goal at the end of the half to make it 10-0 in favor of the Cyclones. ISU outgained the Longhorns, 223-98, in the half.
Iowa State tacked on another score midway through the third quarter as Lanning hit Dondre Daley for the 19-yard touchdown strike. The Cyclones then scored with 2:10 left in the game on a one-yard plunge by freshman Joshua Thomas. The score was Thomas’ sixth rushing touchdown of the season, matching the ISU freshman record held by Alexander Robinson.
Keys of the Game
The Cyclone defense was outstanding all night in holding Texas to just 204 yards off total offense, including just 85 yards through the air. The Longhorns were just 2-for-13 on third downs, while ISU went 15-for-24. The Cyclones ran 92 offensive plays to just 54 for the visitors.
Iowa State’s offense controlled the game with 238 rushing yards, its fifth time in the last six games with more than 200 yards on the ground.
Players of Note…
Lanning finished 19-for-37 passing for 188 yards and a touchdown to earn the win in his first career start. The redshirt sophomore also gained 64 yards on the ground.
Warren continued to run through opposing defenses with 157 rushing yards and a touchdown. Warren went over the century mark in five of the last six games. He has 954 rushing yards in his bid to become the first Cyclone with over 1,000 yards since Alexander Robinson in 2009.
Allen Lazard returned after missing the Baylor game due to injury and led the Cyclones with six catches for 66 yards.
The Cyclone defense was led by Qujuan Floyd’s eight tackles, while Levi Peters had his first two career sacks. Jordan Harris had seven tackles and an interception.
