AMES - Former Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock certainly did a lot of good throughout his decade together with Matt Campbell.
The Cyclones' defense ranked in the top three of the Big 12 for scoring defense seven times throughout this stretch. Their play on that side of the ball was a pivotal asset, even with key linebacker injuries throughout their historic 11-win season in 2024, and it remained a core part of their identity when the injury bug struck the secondary in an 8-4 finish last season.
Despite Iowa State's defensive consistency, opposing scrambling quarterbacks often gave the Cyclones headaches.
Arizona State backup quarterback Jeff Sims ran loose for 235 yards and two touchdowns, while passing for another score, at Jack Trice Stadium last season. Before Brendan Sorsby got entangled in controversy, he led the Bearcats with his arm and legs to a victory that resulted in a field-storming by Cincinnati fans.
In 2024, UCF quarterback Jacurri Brown threw for only 62 yards and had two interceptions, but he and running back R.J. Harvey combined for 350 rushing yards and four touchdowns to keep the Knights competitive in a 38-35 Iowa State win that tied the...
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