Quarterback Joel Lanning drew his second career start for the ISU football team in Saturday’s 52-16 defeat against Oklahoma.

Iowa State didn’t shy from using Lanning in the game, calling 51 passing plays. His completion rate didn’t keep up, however, as he went 26-for-51 on the day.

After taking a look at the game film on Sunday, ISU coach Paul Rhoads wasn’t pleased with Lanning’s performance.

“[Lanning was] not as good as we liked,” Rhoads said. “He’s aware of that. He knew it as it was going on.”

Rhoads called the Oklahoma defense the best that Iowa State has seen all season. The Sooners were able to disrupt Lanning’s rhythm by getting in the backfield consistently throughout the game, forcing Lanning to make quicker decisions.

Through two starts, Lanning is 45-for-88. Although his completion rate isn’t excellent, he still only has one turnover — an interception against the Sooners.

“I don’t think at this point in his young career that there [aren’t things] that you’d like to see him improve on,” Rhoads said. “And accuracy is certainly one of those things.”

The Cyclones will play at home for the final time this season against No. 5 Oklahoma State on Saturday, and the coaching staff is confident Lanning will correct his play to give Iowa State a shot in one of its toughest games all season.

“He’s already stepped ahead and learned things in the game,” Rhoads said. “He’ll learn more in the post-game film and put himself in a better position against Oklahoma State.”

Richardson taking criticism

Quarterback Sam Richardson is now a couple of weeks removed from what may have been his final start for Iowa State. It came against Baylor in Iowa State’s 45-27 defeat.

While Lanning settles in as the new starter, Richardson remains humble and has been attempting to coach the young quarterback.

“He’s handled [the change] exceptionally well,” Rhoads said. “[Richardson] continues to teach in the role that he’s in now — not as the understudy — but as a guy who can help Joel both in-game and in game week.”

Even though Richardson has taken the change well, assisting both Lanning and the offense on the sidelines, he’s still taken a fair share of criticism on social media.

“Some people have gotten after him through the waves that exist today with social media, and that’s a shame,” Rhoads said. “He’s a great kid. He’s a great ambassador for the school. He’s a tremendous competitor for us.”

Receiver Allen Lazard commended Richardson for his contributions to the program and his ability to influence a younger generation of players.

“Even though people just see it as wins and losses, he’s given a lot to this program.” Lazard said “[He’s been] a good influence on me and my teammates.”

When senior day comes to Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Richardson will take the field among the seniors to wave goodbye to the home crowd. 

Being the backup may not be his preferred role, but Rhoads said Richardson has contributed a lot over his time as a Cyclone.

“He’s put up great numbers in his time at Iowa State, and I suspect that’s what [the fans will] recognize when he takes the field Saturday,” Rhoads said.

Daniel Burton being re-evaluated

Rhoads said offensive lineman Daniel Burton will visit a doctor Monday night to evaluate an ankle injury he sustained against Texas.

Burton will be re-evaluated based on the results of that visit. He has been in a boot since his injury, which hasn’t allowed the team to see how the injury has progressed.

“Hopefully, we will [get] good news from that,” Rhoads said. “With five days [until Oklahoma State], we’re hopeful that he’ll be getting it moving, and he’ll be available to us.”