Two plays Iowa State wishes they had back against Texas

October 17, 2022October 17, 2022Jaylan Ford

Jaylan Ford fumble recovery against Iowa State — Jaylan Ford recovers fumble that Anthony Cook punched out of Hunter Dekkers' arms as Texas tackled him. (photo Don Bender / Horns Illustrated)

In total, Iowa State ran 64 plays, mostly passing, against Texas. The Cyclones discovered the Texas secondary was having a difficult time covering so they took advantage and ran up 329 passing yards on 25 completions.

The game started slow with both teams running two drives each that resulted in three punts and an unsuccessful field goal attempt by Texas. At 6:25 in the first quarter, Iowa State began their unhindered drive 84 yards down the field in 11 plays resulting in a touchdown.

Texas got the ball back with :52 left in the first quarter, ran six plays for only 33 yards and gave up the ball on downs. Iowa started at their 40, again moved down field picking apart the Texas secondary. Final play of the drive, Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers throws a perfect pass over the middle in the end zone to an open #83 DeShawn Hanika — that was intercepted by Texas junior linebacker #41 Jaylan Ford.

Ford’s interception changed the momentum of the game for Texas that gave way for Texas to score two touchdowns and a field goal. This was the first play Iowa State wished they had back.

The rest of the game was a battle. Texas had a difficult time stopping Iowa State’s passing offense. Iowa State scored two touchdowns to go up 21-17. Texas scored at the beginning of the fourth quarter giving them a lead 24-21 leaving the Cyclones 4:43 in the game with the ball.

Confidently, Dekkers marched down the field slowly (8 plays, 47 yards) to eat up the clock so Texas would not have much time after they scored, until … Dekkers decided to keep the ball and run for it.

Dekkers rushed left and gained four yards — slow and steady wins race — on the tackle before his knees touched the ground, Anthony Cook punched the ball out for a fumble that was recovered by Jaylan Ford. This is the second play Iowa State will be dreaming about and wishing they had back. Texas ran out the close and won the game.

Jaylan Ford, a Frisco, Texas native, led the team with eight total tackles (2 solo), one interception, and a fumble recovery for which the Big 12 named him Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performance in the win over Iowa State. This is Ford’s first collegiate weekly honor.