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La Gesse Column: Why the Cyclons were happier for Burnham than themselves after the Texas shutout

Paul Rhoads gathered his Iowa State football team after a shutout win over Texas. He joked that he never claimed to be overly smart, but he knows a team can’t win if it doesn’t score.

He then handed a game ball to Wally Burnham.

In the middle of the huddle nickel back Jay Jones smiled. If anyone deserved to be recognized after the 24-0 victory last Saturday it was the defensive coordinator.

This celebration wouldn’t be happening without him.

“I don’t think he knows that,” Jones said.

Jones is a converted safety. He never played nickel, where he’s asked to be as much of a linebacker as a defensive back.