It came with nail biting, possible prayers from home 1,000 miles away and plenty of sweat, but with a 28-21 victory, Iowa State defeated the Texas Longhorns for the first time in program history.

The Cyclones (4-4, 2-2 Big 12) were outscored 120-27 in two defeats on the past two Saturdays, but came out on the field at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium energized and confident.

Taking an improbable 14-3 lead into halftime, and holding on to victory even when the Longhorns (4-3, 2-2) scored back-to-back fourth quarter touchdowns, Iowa State was victorious. Coach Paul Rhoads even got another historic win added to his resume after last year’s Nebraska road win, and this might have been bigger.

“We have given up 120 points over the last two weeks,” Rhoads said. “To stay focused, persevere and trust in that coaching and go back to work every day and think that you can win a ball game against the No. 22 ranked football team in the nation in one of the most traditional places to play college football — it’s a huge credit to our football players.”

The Cyclone defense came up big at the right times, only allowing the Longhorn offense into the end zone twice in six tries. The ISU offense was out-gained by over 100 yards, but consistent success in field position, and a much improved 7-of-17 third down efficiency helped the team to victory.

National Champions in 2005, the Longhorns have now lost two games at home to unranked opponents this season.

“What we did was totally unacceptable,” said Texas coach Mack Brown.  “There will be some guys that played really well. I told them in the dressing room that I’ll congratulate them. It’s a shame nobody will ever know it except the coaches.”

Totaling 199 rushing yards, the Cyclones’ offensive attack was keyed by senior running back Alexander Robinson’s 120 yards and two touchdowns. The Longhorn rush defense had been ranked No. 20 in the nation, but 45 carries by the ISU offense were too much for the home team.

The win was Iowa State’s first on the road against a ranked team since defeating Oklahoma in 1990.