Datrone Young

Oklahoma defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas (95) tackles Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Iowa State at Oklahoma 11/20/2021

Nov. 20, 2021 01:53 PM EST

Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn (22) gets past Iowa State defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. (26) for a first down during the first quarter of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

Iowa State at Kansas State 10/16/2021

Oct. 16, 2021 09:33 PM EDT

Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) greets fans along the spirit walk before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

Iowa at Iowa State 9/11/2021

Sep. 11, 2021 03:23 PM EDT

Northern Iowa running back Dom Williams (7) eludes a tackle by Iowa State linebacker Mike Rose (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

No. 7 Iowa State survives against Northern Iowa, 16-10

By Andrew Logue Sep. 04, 2021 08:22 PM EDT

Nebraska fans, from left, Cindy Menke, her daughter Jerzie, 9, and husband Jarod of Carroll, Iowa, walk through a sparse parking lot of tailgaters with less than two hours until kickoff between Nebraska and Fordham NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Northern Iowa at Iowa State 9/4/2021

Sep. 04, 2021 10:55 AM EDT

Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough (12) warms up prior to the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Oregon at Iowa State 1/2/2021

Jan. 02, 2021 03:43 PM EST

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) runs for a 17-yard touchdown against Iowa State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Iowa State at Texas 11/27/2020

Nov. 27, 2020 12:43 PM EST

Iowa defensive back D.J. Johnson breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State wide receiver Joseph Scates (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Sloppy Cyclones look to clean up mistakes

By Luke Meredith Sep. 17, 2019 04:19 PM EDT

Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) is sacked by Iowa State defensive back Anthony Johnson, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

No. 19 Iowa rallies to beat Iowa State, 18-17

By Luke Meredith Sep. 14, 2019 10:24 PM EDT

Iowa State's defense could be in for a big 2019 season

By Luke Meredith Apr. 11, 2019 08:10 PM EDT
AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State's defense has quietly been among the nation's best over the past two seasons. The Cyclones might be better than ever this...

Defense fuels optimism for home stretch at Iowa State

By Luke Meredith Oct. 23, 2018 06:17 PM EDT
Iowa State is fresh off a much-needed bye week and seemingly set up for a strong finish after a 3-3 start. The biggest reason for the Cyclones'...