Texas Longhorns Hold Off Iowa State Cyclones, Move to 10-1

The Texas Longhorns are now one win away from securing a berth in the Big 12 Championship.

The Texas Longhorns have said their not-so-pleasant farewell to the Iowa State Cyclones.

After a week highlighted by trash talk from Cyclones offensive lineman Jarrod Hufford, No. 7 Texas (10-1) bounced back from a penalty-filled first half and answered Iowa State's second-half punches en route to a 26-16 win in Ames on Saturday night. The Longhorns will now look to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship on Friday when they host the Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

Texas secured its first 10-win regular season since 2009 with the victory.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers had a solid night in his second game since his return from injury. He found receiver Jordan Whittington and tight end Gunnar Helm for a pair of touchdowns in the second half before finishing 23 of 33 passing for 281 yards and the two scores.

The Texas Longhorns attempt to block a kick by Iowa State kicker Chase Contreraz (19) during the game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Ames, Iowa. Contreraz missed the kick / © Aaron E. Martinez, Austin American-Statesman

Xavier Worthy finished with a team-high 77 receiving yards on four catches, but exited to the locker room in the second half and came back to the sideline in the fourth quarter without his pads on. Adonai Mitchell added three catches for 32 yards while freshman running back CJ Baxter had 20 carries for 117 yards in the first game without Jonathon Brooks.

The Longhorns had two touchdowns taken off the board in the first half due to penalty, as a touchdown grab from  Mitchell and a long punt return from Worthy were made all for nothing. But after committing six penalties in the first half, Texas had just one in the second half.

Despite giving up a few big plays, the Texas defense put on a masterclass in the trenches, surrendering just nine rushing yards on 21 carries.

Leading the way for the defense was Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, who didn't exactly load up the stat sheet, but made a game-changing impact in the win. He blocked an extra point late in the third quarter after Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht found Eli Sanders for a 14-yard touchdown, and defensive back Austin Jordan returned it back for the two points. Instead of 13-10 game, Texas led 15-9.

This proved to be the turning point in the game. Instead of being in a one-score game Cyclones were then forced to try and chase points on their final drive, but instead turned it over on downs.

Quinn Ewers Throws Clutch Touchdown To Jordan Whittington

The Longhorns will now host the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Friday in the regular-season finale.