IRVING, Texas – Texas junior defensive back DeShon Elliott was named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive game following his strong effort in the Longhorns' 17-7 victory at Iowa State to open league play last Thursday night. He finished with six tackles, a sack and two interceptions, earning the award for the second time in his career. Additionally, he is the first Longhorn to ever earn Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors in back-to-back games.



A native of Rockwall, Texas, Elliott and the Longhorn defense shined in Texas' Big 12-opening win in Ames. He helped lead a defensive attack that surrendered just seven points and 10 rushing yards in the game, while holding the potent Cyclone passing attack to just 24-of-49 passing.



He became the first UT player since 2000 with two interceptions in back-to-back games, and just the fourth player ( Dylan Haines , 2016; Marcus Griffin, 2007; Dakarai Pearson, 2002) to have multiple two-interception games in the same season. Elliott now has three career two-interception games, as he also had one in 2015 against Kansas.



The Longhorn defense was stout all night, as Iowa State entered the game averaging 41.3 points per game, 460.0 yards per game and 148.3 rushing yards per game. The Cyclones managed just seven points, those coming on a 28-yard drive, 256 total yards and 10 rushing yards against the Texas defense.



The 10 rushing yards allowed by the defense were the fewest since holding Kansas to -2 yards in 2011. It was the eighth-best defensive performance against the rush by a UT defense in the last 10 seasons. Thursday's game marked the third straight game that Texas has held opponents below 100 yards rushing. It is the first time doing that since holding the first three opponents of the 2010 season under the century mark.



Elliott, who now leads the Big 12 Conference and is third nationally with his four interceptions, has been a key cog in the Longhorns' defensive turnaround. Over the last three games, Texas is allowing just 11.3 points per game and 41.0 rushing yards per game.



He and the Longhorns return home for a showdown with the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday night inside Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. CT on Fox Sports 1.