Things were going well for Oklahoma’s most experience defensive back.
On the first drive of the game, Iowa State chose to go for it on the fourth down. Quarterback Zeb Noland didn’t hesitate, looked right and threw the fade, but junior Parnell Motley blanketed the receiver.
This carried on for the entirety of the first half. Then, as the second half got going, things went south, and fast.
“He needs to be locked in and more engaged, and I think it was another learning experience,” said defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. “He has to learn from these. He has to be more consistent and he knows that, but we all got to play better.”
Motley had his receiver stopped for a four-yard gain on the second play of the half but finished the play by getting a 15-yard personal foul. The very next play, Cyclone wide receiver Hakeem Butler caught him on a back-shoulder throw down the sideline, broke the tackle and ran for a 57-yard touchdown.
It happens to defensive backs. Quarterbacks can make great throws and wide receivers can make great plays, but limiting those plays— especially when Big 12 play ramps up — is key.
“Your corners have to play well,” Stoops said. “It’s a hard life without them. They’re going to lose some (50-50) balls, but you can’t lose them all or give up huge plays.”
A year ago against Oklahoma State, he was removed from the game after lackluster play, but things started to turn for him on Saturday, he responded.
The Cyclones were driving late in the fourth quarter to bring the game within one possession. On the final offensive play for Iowa State, Noland released a pass off his back foot. It wobbled and ended up in Motley’s hands for his first pick of the year.
The Washington D.C. native is seen as one of the leaders of the defense. He was targeted on defense 13 times on Saturday, and when things went the wrong way, Motley stayed in it.
It’s a step in the right direction for a corner who has looked promising once again, and now it’s onto the next challenge.
“He’s a great guy. He’s a great corner, great defensive back, and at that position, it happens,” sophomore cornerback Tre Norwood said. “It was just one of those things.
“Honestly I felt like he handled it very well, better than I feel like most would’ve handled it. So I’m just proud of him and we are putting that game behind him and focusing on Army.”
