Third Down costly for Iowa State - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Statistically, Oklahoma was head-and-shoulders better than Iowa State Saturday afternoon at Jack Trice Stadium.  But the final score, 35-20, was not indicative of how close the game actually was.

Without linebacker Jake Knott, the Iowa State defense held tough in the first half, halting the OU attack with a strong goal-line stand, picked off quarterback Landry Jones twice and trailed just 14-6 at halftime.

But the difference in the game came on third down.  Iowa State converted on just five of their 14 third downs, while Oklahoma converted 9 of its 14 third down situations.

"We just flat out didn't play up to par and play well enough to win," A.J. Klein said.

"We expected to win the football game," Head Coach Paul Rhoads added.  "That's how we prepared and how we came into Jack Trice Stadium today.  We expected to win the football game."

The Cyclones are now 0-15 all time against Oklahoma at home. They'll look to bounce back Saturday on the road against Texas.