While quarterback Joel Lanning made his first start for the Cyclones, it was the ISU defense that stole the show in Iowa State’s 24-0 victory over the Texas Longhorns. 

The defense shut out the Longhorns (3-5, 2-3 Big 12) out and snagged a turnover. The Cyclones (3-5, 2-3 Big 12) allowed 119 yards on the ground but gave almost nothing through the air, conceding 85 passing yards. 

Iowa State’s defense started out on the right foot. After the Cyclones went 3-and-out on their first drive of the game, the defense answered, forcing a 3-and-out of its own. 

The Longhorns’ offense never gained momentum and looked dismal heading into halftime, gaining 98 yards — 72 of them on the ground — while only passing midfield twice. 

The Cyclones led the Longhorns, 10-0, heading into the half, partly thanks to Lanning’s 89 passing yards and Mike Warren’s 80 rushing yards on 14 carries. 

The defense was even more dominant in the second half, allowing Texas to cross midfield once in the fleeting seconds of the game. 

Lanning tacked on a passing touchdown, and Joshua Thomas ran the ball in for a touchdown to put the game away. 

Iowa State out-gained the Longhorns 426 to 204. The defense forced seven 3-and-outs in the game.