Rodney Fowler hadn’t made many plays for Kansas University’s defense in the Jayhawks’ first 11 football games.

Saturday against Iowa State, he made two big ones in a 36-7 victory at Memorial Stadium that made KU bowl eligible for the first time since 1995.

“All year long we’ve been talking about, ‘When can Rodney play more snaps for us?'” KU coach Mark Mangino said after the free safety made two interceptions. “Hopefully this is the beginning of a bright career for Rodney here. I’m really happy for him. He’s so happy he’s in shock. He doesn’t even realize what happened.”

Fowler, a sophomore transfer from Pasadena (Calif.) City College, had been used sparingly and only had one tackle to show for the first 11 games. But starter Jonathan Lamb was injured in the first quarter, and Fowler made the most of the opportunity.

With Kansas (6-6 overall, 3-5 Big 12 Conference) clinging to a 15-7 lead late in the third quarter, Fowler intercepted a pass by backup quarterback Austin Flynn and returned it 25 yards to Iowa State’s 15-yard line. Fowler had one man to beat to reach the end zone, but Flynn made a touchdown-saving tackle.

“That’s bad,” Fowler said of being taken down by the quarterback.

It didn’t matter. Three plays later, Clark Green’s two-yard TD run gave KU a 22-7 lead.

Fowler got another chance with 2:01 to play when he slipped in front of receiver Lane Danielsen and picked off a pass from third-strong quarterback Chris Love at the ISU 10.

“I knew Danielsen was their main receiver,” Fowler said of ISU’s career leader in receptions and receiving yards, who was shut down for the first time this season. “He was on my side, and I knew the play was going to him. I read it and got the pick.”

Kansas coach Mark Mangino and the Jayhawks celebrate their sixth victory of the season.

And the touchdown.

Cornerback Remuise Johnson threw a key block, and Fowler made it 36-7 with his 10-yard return.

“I knew I had to make up for getting tackled by the quarterback the first time,” said Fowler, who moved into a tie for the team lead with his second interception.

The Jayhawks finished better than they started. It looked like it might be a long day for the Jayhawk defense when freshman Stevie Hicks — who averages 31.8 yard per game — rushed for 41 in the first quarter. Iowa State had 125 yards in the first 15 minutes and led, 7-6, on starting quarterback Waye Terry’s two-yard touchdown run.

“Our defense didn’t do a good job of stopping them early in the game,” Mangino said, “but they buckled down and played great football.”

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The Cyclones (2-9, 0-7) gained 51 yards in the final three quarters. Iowa State’s 176 total yards were the fewest by a KU opponent this season, and the Cyclones’ seven points were the fewest by a Division I-A foe. Linebackers Nick Reid, Gabriel Toomey and Banks Floodman led the way, combining for 22 tackles.

Now the Jayhawks, who had lost four straight games and five of six, will await a bowl invitation.

“I keep telling the guys they spoil you,” said Toomey, who made a trip to the Cotton Bowl as an Oklahoma freshman before transferring to Iowa Central Community College. “It’s a good time, but we still have a game to play. You have to focus and get after it.”

Mangino said the Jayhawks would practice Monday and Tuesday before leaving campus for Thanksgiving break. KU will resume practices Sunday.