Iowa State football: Cyclones’ second-half defense is at another level this season

AMES — It’s a common gesture at football games for fans and players to raise their hands with four fingers skyward to signify the fourth quarter.

With the way Iowa State’s defense is playing, it might also be a warning to opposing offenses that a Category 4 cyclone is quickly approaching.

The Cyclones have long held a penchant for defense, especially under defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, but this season Iowa State is operating at an elite level when it comes to stopping opponents.

They seem to grow more ferocious as a unit as the game goes on, elevating their play even higher when it comes to the second half or closing time.

Dating to the start of the 2021 season, the Cyclones have allowed just 353 points in the second half of 44 games, an average of 8.0 points.

Through Iowa State’s 6-0 start, the Cyclones have relinquished only 4.3 second-half points per game while holding opponents to a combined 121 yards in the second half of games.

They’re on pace to record defensive numbers that haven’t been seen in quite some time.

“It all comes down to attitude and effort and running to the ball. Without those things, you don’t really give yourself a chance,” safety Beau Freyler said. “That’s really the mindset with this defense, just attitude, effort, run to the ball, and then from that point on, it’s all about precision.”

Oct 12, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia; Iowa State defensive back Jontez Williams (3) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against West Virginia during the fourth quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

The Cyclones have given up only two touchdowns in the second half this season, with Arkansas State and West Virginia each scoring once when the game was virtually sealed.

Heacock has transformed Iowa State’s defense since arriving in 2016, but he’s impressed by how the unit remains…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-football-cyclones-second-211746403.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2024-10-15 21:17:46

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