Emotions were riding high after the upset performance from a week ago. The team and fans were itching for another performance just like it. Unfortunately for both, the performance wasn't quite up to par comparatively speaking. In fact the game itself was a rather forgettable one leaving most fans underwhelmed.
That's not to say Iowa State played poorly. This team laid it all on the line and gave it all they had. It just wasn't in the cards.
Once again, shooting ourselves in the foot proved to be their demise. The offense surmounting a measly 245 total yards certainly didn't help either. The Oklahoma defense was stout as evidenced by the total yardage given up. They took away the running threat of Barnett which seriously constricted Iowa State's abilities. Despite our defense causing 4 turnovers, the offense was seemingly stuck in neutral and unable to convert those turnovers into points. Defensively, Iowa State did about all they could to keep us in the game. Once again they were able to shut down a terrific offense and hold them to only 26 points, 20 of which came in the 2nd quarter, and only 3 of which came in the entire second half. There were a few big plays by the OU offense that ended up being too much to overcome in the end.
I won't go so far as to say this was a moral victory, it wasn't. What I will say is hope is building throughout this program and fanbase. We're starting to prove we can at least play with the big boys.
IOWA STATE @ OKLAHOMA NOVEMBER 26TH 2011 11:00 AM
FINAL: IOWA STATE (6-4, 3-4) 6 OKLAHOMA (9-2, 6-2) 26
OFFENSIVE WRNL HELMET STICKER:
Jeff Woody, RB - Unimpressive day on the offensive side of the ball. Jeff Woody was the only player that even remotely stood out to me. His rumblin bumblin running is always enjoyable to watch and we got to see him more-so than usual since James White didn't see the field after fumbling twice early in the game. Not a whole hell of a lot else to talk about though. Woody ended the day with 13 carries and 60 yards for a respectable 4.6 yard per carry average.
DEFENSIVE WRNL HELMET STICKER:
Ter'Ran Benton, DB - WOW to the entire defense for again shutting down a prolific offense and a round of applause to senior defensive back Ter'Ran Benton. You had an outstanding game and put together one of the best stat lines I think I've seen since we began awarding helmet stickers. You made your presence known yesterday with 11 solo tackles, 1 tackle for a loss of 3 yards, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. You and your guys in the secondary are playing lights out and confusing the hell out of offenses. This secondary, in all honesty, may be the best there's ever been at Iowa State. We're going to miss the hell out of you and LJ next year, but we're damn proud to have had you guys throughout your collegiate careers.
EDITORS PICK WRNL HELMET STICKER:
Jake Knott, LB - With the defense performing so admirably it was tough to select just one for the editor's pick. I had to go with ol' reliable, Mr. Knott. He was playing disciplined football yesterday, filling holes, intercepting balls. All around good day for Jake. His interception was a big one, as it was in the our endzone thus preventing an Oklahoma touchdown. Again, our defense did about all they could do to keep us in the game. It's a shame we couldn't do more with our opportunities. Jake ended the day with 11 tackles, the interception, a pass breakup and one QB hit.
COMMEMORATIVE GENE CHIZIK COIN:
Bob Stoops - While I completely understand the thought process behind going for it on 4th down with 4 minutes left in the game while up almost 3 scores, I didn't appreciate it. I know you were in that area where punting is almost useless and kicking a field goal is difficult, especially against that wind, but c'mon man. Your defense has held us to 6 points the entire game. Is punting the ball too much to ask? If it goes into the endzone, it may be a net gain of 16 or so yards but given how inept the Iowa State offense was did you really think they stood much of a chance to march the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. Instead, you elect to go for it on 4th and 4 and we pick you off and it ends up worse for you than any other scenario. Perhaps next time you should loosen up the strap on your visor so as not to cut off circulation to your brain.