The Iowa State linebacker scanned the field before the snap. Two receivers spread to his left. Two more to his right. A running back next to a quarterback straight ahead.
At the snap he charged forward, following his keys. The offensive linemen, moving downfield, open a hole to his right. Stopping the run is his first responsibility. So he sprinted to the crease, expecting to stuff a running back.
Only no one is there.
Instead, the quarterback flung the ball to a receiver, who turned the short screen pass into a first down. The Cyclones did everything right, yet the outcome was wrong.