Kamari Cotton-Moya's pick six leads the way for dominant Iowa State defense

AMES — In perhaps its stingiest performance of the season, the Iowa State defense held Texas Tech below average in just about every offensive category that comes to mind.

The Red Raiders came into the game as the second-best offense in college football, and were held to a season-low 306 yards and season-low 10 points while committing three turnovers. None was bigger safety Kamari Cotton-Moya's pick six.

'I couldn't do it without the D-linemen,' Cotton-Moya said after Iowa State's 66-10 win against Texas Tech. 'The D-linemen rushed him and he had to get it out of his hands quick and I read the play and it was a great rush and I saw the ball and got to get into the end zone.'

In the second quarter with the Cyclones (3-8, 2-6) up 32 points, Red Raiders (4-7, 2-6) quarterback Patrick Mahomes looked left, and fired a ball on third-and-long. With no TTU receivers in the vicinity, Cotton-Moya caught it in stride and ran up the right sideline and was barley touched as he crossed the goal line.

'I thought the pick six was a game changer,' said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. 'I thought it really swung momentum our way.

'I thought Kamari had one of his best football games that I've seen him have since I've been here. It was great for him to do it, and again, another young man that's a captain on this football team. A guy that has great expectations from myself and our coaching staff for what he does, but it's great to see him have great success tonight.'

Iowa State registered nine pass breakups and nine quarterback hurries with seven tackles for loss — including two sacks — while Cotton-Moya, who had six tackles, added a forced fumble and fumble recovery to his resume.

Defensive back Evrett Edwards had an interception while linebacker Willie Harvey had eight tackles with a nine-yard sack. Texas Tech punted six times and turned it over on downs twice.

'That was amazing,' Edwards said. 'If you can set the tone on the first drive and let them know what's up and try to maintain that type of attitude throughout the game like we did tonight, then you can't miss on all those opportunities.'

l Comments: montzdylan@gmail.com