Through the first three games of the Big 12 season, Iowa State is near the bottom in almost every statistical category. The offense is not moving the ball; the defense is not slowing teams down, and the numbers through the first three Big 12 games seem to indicate the same thing the records do — Iowa State is not playing well.

Scoring offense 16.7 points Big 12 rank — 11th

The ISU offense has virtually shut down since halftime of the Kansas game. While the rest of the Big 12 is scoring at a record pace, Iowa State has scored only 50 points in Big 12 play and only Colorado is averaging less per game.

“We’re not helping our defense out as much as we should be. The defense comes to play every week and we haven’t been able to do that,” said offensive lineman Reggie Stephens.

The Cyclones managed only 10 points against Baylor — the same Baylor team that has allowed 83 points in its other two Big 12 games.

Iowa State could also only muster seven points against a Nebraska team that was allowing 44.5 points a game against its first two Big 12 foes.

Scoring defense 36.0 points Big 12 rank — 11th

Only Texas A&M has given up more points than Iowa State in Big 12 play. The Cyclones have given up 30 points or more in all three conference games this season.

“We’ve been really disappointed, because we know how close we are to being better than we actually play,” said safety James Smith.

One reason the Cyclones have been giving up so many points is because opponents are converting almost 43 percent of their third downs.

The defense has also had a hard time of staying off the field. In the first three Big 12 games, the ISU defense has been on the field for an average of over 33 minutes.

Rushing offense 94.3 yards Big 12 rank — 12th

What was supposed to be the strength of the offense has turned into Iowa State’s biggest headache. The trio of Cyclone running backs who were supposed to see break out seasons have accumulated only 486 yards and five touchdowns this season.

“Our running game was nonexistent,” coach Gene Chizik said. “It’s very disappointing. Without a doubt I thought we’d be much further along than we were right now.”

The running attack has only averaged 3.8 yards per carry this conference season.

Pass defense 311.7 yards Big 12 rank — 11th

The Cyclones returned all four starters from last year’s team but are still among the worst in the league in defending the pass. Iowa State was torched by Kansas veteran Todd Reesing to start the conference season, and have since been exposed by two first-year starters in Baylor’s Robert Griffin and Nebraska’s Joe Ganz.

Iowa State also ranks last in the Big 12 in pass defense efficiency. Opposing quarterbacks have a combined 183.5 quarterback rating.

First downs 47 Big 12 rank — 12th

The Cyclones have not consistently moved the chains in the first three weeks of conference play.

“It’s very troubling that one week we punt nine times and the next week we punt eight times. It’s hard for us to get first downs,” Chizik said. “That’s extremely troubling for our football team and we’ve done some good things on offense but overall right now we’ve taken a step backwards.”

The inability to convert on third down is one glaring reason Iowa State has failed to secure first downs. The team’s 27.9 percent third down conversion rate is the worst in the Big 12.