A slow start for the Iowa State football team (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) is an understatement after being closed out in the first half and Texas  (2-2, 1-0 Big 12) leading 14-0. That rhythm stayed the same in the second half with a final score of 17-7 in favor of the Cyclones.

The game started with a Texas touchdown with the help of an unsportsmanlike conduct flag on Iowa State’s sophomore defensive end JaQuan Bailey. That gave the Longhorns an opportunity to roll down the field for an 11-yard rushing touchdown by Chris Warren III.

After a total of five punts between the two teams and a fumble recovery by Iowa State, Jacob Park threw his first of two interceptions in the first half, giving Texas good field position. The Longhorns capitalized with a 22-yard touchdown reception by Toneil Carter from Shane Buechele to make it a 14-0 lead going into the half.

The second half started with two consecutive punts. Then, redshirt senior defensive back Kamari Cotton-Moya gave the Iowa State fans something to cheer about with an interception on the Texas side of the field.

Park and the Cyclone offense couldn’t capitalize on the interception and had a three-and-out punt. After a three-and-out drive for the Longhorns, Texas’ punter Michael Dickson miskicked the punt for only a 17-yard gain.

Iowa State took advantage with an 11-yard touchdown by Matthew Eaton from Park to trim the deficit to 14-7. After the successful drive, Park threw his third interception of the game giving Texas an opportunity to score.

The Cyclones defense stopped them from a touchdown, but the Longhorns hit a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7 to start the fourth quarter. The next drive, the Cyclones decided to go for it on fourth down resulting in a big sack by Park giving Texas the momentum and field position to extend the score.

The Longhorns didn’t score the rest of the quarter, but controlled the momentum for a final of 17-7.

Iowa State will hit the road to Oklahoma to play the Sooners on Saturday, October 7 at 11 a.m.