Play of the Game: Iowa State

Jordan Burton had left the Texas game with an injury just a week before the Pokes took on Iowa State. Then, in his weekly press conference last Monday, Coach Gundy listed the senior linebacker as “probably”.

Well, I’m really glad Burton was able to play in this game because without a couple of players due to injury, including defensive leader Jordan Sterns, the Cowboys needed all the help they could get.

The Cowboys had just finished a drive with a field goal to tie the game at 31 after being down by as much as 17 earlier in the contest. Iowa State now had the ball with about 11 minutes left to play. Cyclone sophomore quarterback Jacob Park rolled out to his right, felt pressure and threw a pass that was tipped and then intercepted by Jordan Burton.

Now there were many great plays in this game, but this one did a few things. (1) It really got the crowd into the game, (2) Oklahoma State had already swung the momentum their way but this was really a dagger in the heart of the Cyclone players, and (3) it caused ISU Coach Matt Campbell to sit the young QB Park for the rest of the game. Park had really hurt the Cowboy defense on a few plays, including a touchdown pass in the second quarter, and even though he is the backup to Joel Lanning, he is a gamer and you don’t want to give him the chance to keep the Cyclones in the game late.

I had to give honorable mention to a James Washington play after his amazing performance on Saturday. So, I’ll go with this 35-yard touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph to James Washington late in the 3rd quarter to bring the Cowboys back within 10.