More than halfway through the third quarter in the team’s second conference game of the season, Iowa State (2-3, 1-1 Big 12) looked like it might climb back into contention against Texas Tech (4-2, 1-2 Big 12).

Trailing 38-21, the Cyclones snapped the ball on second down from the 1-yard line. Running back Mike Warren — who produced his third stellar performance in a row, amassing 245 rushing yards on only 23 carries but failing to find the end zone — was stuffed behind the line of scrimmage.

An incomplete pass later, Iowa State settled for a field goal, cutting the deficit to a two-touchdown margin. It was the closest the Cyclones would get in the second half before the contest turned ugly, as the Red Raiders reeled off 28 consecutive points on their way to a 66-31 victory.

ISU defensive coordinator Wally Burnham’s 3-4 defense proved no match for Texas Tech’s air raid attack, the nation’s third-rated offense entering the game. The Red Raiders mustered 776 yards of total offense, including 515 through the air.

The ISU passing game, on the other hand, was less effective than it had been all season. Quarterback Sam Richardson connected on fewer than 50 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions on the afternoon.

Backup quarterback Joel Lanning saw significant work throughout the day, completing five of his nine passes for 41 yards and rushing for 17 yards and a touchdown on six carries. 

Next up for Iowa State is Texas Christian. The Cyclones will square off against the Horned Frogs in Jack Trice Stadium at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.