IRVING, TX – Iowa State junior defensive lineman Latrell Bankston was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, announced today by the Big 12 Conference.
The Woodstock, Ga., native was sensational in Iowa State’s 23-20 victory at No. 20 Texas on Friday, registering career highs in tackles (five) and sacks (2.0).
His two sacks were crucial. His first sack was on third down and halted a Texas drive at midfield.
Bankston’s second sack was even bigger. It occurred with Iowa State clinging to a 23-20 lead and Texas in possession with its final drive.
The Longhorns drove down to the ISU 36 and had 3rd-and-10 with :09 seconds left in the contest. With one final play from scrimmage, Bankston busted up the middle and sacked Sam Ehlinger for a four-yard loss. It forced UT to use its final timeout with :04 seconds left.
Bankston’s sack pushed back the potential game-tying field goal attempt to 58 yards, as the kick hooked left and barely missed as time expired.
The win gave Iowa State its school-record seventh conference victory and clinched at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season title.
Iowa State enters its final-regular season game on Saturday vs. West Virginia ranked No. 12 nationally in the Associated Press poll.
