Error-prone Iowa State falls to Texas, 17-7

AMES – Iowa State's defense couldn't get off the field, and the offense couldn't stay on it.

The Cyclones only converted three of their 12 third downs, while The Longhorns converted 11 of their 23 third downs.

The Cyclones lost to the Longhorns 17-7 to move to 2-2 on the season and 0-1 in the Big 12.

On the first drive of the game, running back David Montgomery ran for nine yards on second down. Iowa State elected to pass on third down. Texas (2-2, 1-0) showed its aggressive style of defense and blitzed Jacob Park. Cornerback Deshon Elliot sacked Park without any trouble.

On the first defensive series for the Cyclones, it didn't get any better. Iowa State originally stopped Texas without any trouble. But an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on JaQuan Bailey after a sack on third down kept the drive alive for Texas.

That penalty allowed Texas to drive the length of the field and score a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead. Iowa State had three third-down opportunities to get off the field and failed to take advantage every time.

Iowa State had something going on its second drive using its patented combination of Montgomery runs and Lazard receptions. But a sack on a first-down pass put Iowa State behind the sticks. Iowa State wasn't able to recover from the sack and was forced to punt.

After that drive, Montgomery was used sparingly the rest of the half. He was mainly used for blitz pickup and pass protection.

Texas tried to get fancy on offense on its next drive, but Iowa State forced a fumble, which the Cyclones recovered to give the ball back to the offense. However, after an early completion, Iowa State stalled out at the Texas 38-yard line.

It was fourth and seven, but coach Matt Campbell elected to punt to give Texas the ball back.

Iowa State stopped Texas and got the ball back. The Cyclones put Mike Warren in at running back for the drive. The Cyclones got the ball to the 47-yard line, but was forced to punt after Park tried to scramble for the first down. Warren had one run for one yard on the drive.

After a 25-yard pass on the next drive, Park rolled out of the pocket on the next play and launched a pass downfield right into the waiting arms of the Elliot for the interception.

The Longhorns capitalized on the interception, scoring a touchdown in five plays. Texas was aided by a late hit penalty on Brian Peavy that tacked on 15 yards to a 12-yard Buechele run.

Iowa State put together another drive, but still refused to use star running back Montgomery. The drive eventually stalled out at the Texas 36, and again, Iowa State elected to punt. The punt was downed at the 2-yard line.

The Cyclones forced a three and out and after a 56-yard punt Iowa State started its last drive of the half on the 36. It wasn't a long drive, Park throwing his second interception of the game, giving Texas the ball back with 13 seconds left in the half.

Texas attempted two plays, but the clock ran out, ending the half. The Longhorns led the Cyclones 14-0 at the half.

Iowa State ran the ball 10 times in the first half, and only ran it six times with Montgomery. Montgomery was productive on the ground, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Park and the passing attack were all over the place. Park was 13-of-26 in the first half, passing for 103 yards and two interceptions.

Texas, on the other hand, had a balanced attack. The Longhorns ran for 78 yards and passed for another 108.

Texas got the ball to start the second half, but didn't do much after a false start penalty put it behind the sticks. After the Texas punt, Iowa State had two nice passes to reciever Marchie Murdock. However, after a one-yard rush from Montgomery and two incompletions from Park, Iowa State was forced to punt on its first drive of the second half.

Iowa State showed momentary signs of life after a Karmari Cotton-Moya interception to get the ball on the Texas side of the ball. But the offense stalled immediately, going three-and-out after losing five yards on the drive.

Texas returned the favor, going three-and-out. However, the punter shanked it, resulting in a 17-yard punt.

Iowa State finally capitalized on an opportunity, scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard Jacob Park pass to Matt Eaton.

After the touchdown, the Texas kick returner fumbled the ball and Iowa State recovered. However, after review, the returner's knee was ruled down.

On the ensuing offensive possession, Texas appeared to have turned the ball over again. It originally ruled a backward pass, recovered by Iowa State for a touchdown. But, like the first one, the call was overturned – incomplete pass.

Iowa State had two turnovers, taken away in 21 seconds.

The Cyclones showed some moxie, holding Texas to a three-and-out that drive.

However, on the ensuing possession, Park threw his third interception of the game – his first three-interception game in his career.

Texas capitalized, hitting a 49-yard field goal to extend its lead to 17-7.

Iowa State didn't respond well. Park was sacked on fourth and five for the turnover on downs. That play was essentially the end of the game as Texas ran the clock out.

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