Iowa State had a chance to make a big step towards a Big 12 Championship game berth with a win over Texas on Saturday. 

Instead, the Cyclones fell flat and lost to the Longhorns, losing 24-10. 

The game did not start off well for Iowa State, as the Longhorns scored on their first drive courtesy of a run from Sam Ehlinger. After bouncing back with a field goal from Connor Assalley, the Cyclones gave up another touchdown to fall behind 14-3.

Texas tacked on another field goal to make the halftime score 17-3. Brock Purdy struggled in the first 30 minutes, going 6-for-17 in the passing game and throwing an interception. The Cyclones also gave up three sacks. 

To start the third quarter, Iowa State had a six-minute drive end with a missed Assalley field goal, followed up by a 27-yard touchdown from backup Texas quarterback Shane Beuchele to Lil’Jordan Humphrey to push the Longhorns’ lead to 24-3 heading into the final frame. 

The Cyclones struggled to keep the Longhorn defense off of Purdy, with the freshman eventually getting banged up and replaced by Kyle Kempt late in the fourth quarter. David Montgomery scored for the Cyclones in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough and Texas is now one win away from the Big 12 Championship game. 

The Cyclones fall to 6-4 on the season (5-3 Big 12) and play Kansas State on Nov. 24 in Ames.