LaDainian Fields Becomes Big 12 Interceptions Leader Through Seven Games
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Oklahoma State’s defense has been a polarizing unit this season. One unmistakable positive on that side of the ball this season has been cornerback LaDainian Fields. Fields is one the few returners from last season’s team and has been a mainstay for the Cowboys.
Iowa State beat Oklahoma State 51-49 on Saturday night in Ames to drop the Cowboys to 5-3 (2-2). Fields helped the defense regain momentum after it gave up a touchdown on the Cyclones opening drive. He intercepted Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor for his fifth interception of the season.
Fields now leads the Big 12 in interceptions after entering the game tied with Baylor cornerback Devon Jordan. He is also tied for the national lead with Louisville’s Kaleb Beasley and California’s Kingston Lopa.
Fields was not targeted often by the Iowa State offense following his interception. The majority of snaps instead went to the opposite direction and challenged the other members of the Cowboys secondary.
Fields also had a crucial tackle for loss on third down late in the fourth quarter to give Oklahoma State back the football with a chance to take a late lead. Unfortunately Drew Mestemaker was intercepted just two plays later and added a field goal.
The only negative moment for Fields came on Iowa State’s final drive when Raynor underthrew a pass down the sideline to Jamal Polite which resulted in Polite jumping over Fields to make a catch and set up the game-winning field goal.
Fields is in his third season with the Cowboys out of Del City high school where he played both sides of the ball. He has started every game this season and entered Saturday’s game fourth on the team in solo tackles. He has also amassed four pass break-ups to go along with his interceptions. He ended Saturday’s game with three solo tackles and a pass break-up.
Bowl eligibility has to wait one more week for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State travels to Kansas State next week before welcoming Texas Tech to Boone Pickens Stadium on Nov, 14.
