The Big 12 conference is a steep learning curve.

Iowa State’s defense passed its first test of the season – barely – but its work isn’t anywhere near complete.

The Cyclones inexperienced defense performed well enough to hand Toledo a 45-43 triple-overtime loss, but the learning curve lurks.

There’s still a lot to be done.

The ISU coaching staff hands out MVP awards at the conclusion of each game. Junior receiver Todd Blythe and quarterback Bret Meyer took home the offensive awards after connecting for two scores in overtime.

MVP for defense? Not this time.

“We had some guys who played well, but in the end the coaches felt like the mental errors were the difference in them being classified as a most valuable player,” said ISU coach Dan McCarney. “We only give those out if we feel they really deserve it.”

The Cyclone defense gave up 412 yards to Toledo, with 367 of those coming through the air. Rockets tight end Chris Hopkins found a soft spot in the ISU defense and exploited it, catching 13 passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

After surviving Toledo’s passing attack, the Cyclones are bracing for another air assault.

The Cyclones next opponent, UNLV, threw for more than 330 yards last week in its 54-10 win over Idaho State. Former USC quarterback Rocky Hinds, who transferred to UNLV, leads a spread offense that relies on the pass for success.

It’s football’s purest form of baptism by fire.

“I think it’s really good for our team to have a battle like this early on in the year,” Blythe said. “It really shows the new guys on defense what the Big 12 is going to be like.”

Lost in the shuffle of all of Toledo’s yards and points were numerous bright spots for the defense.

Iowa State’s three starting linebackers combined for 43 tackles, with junior Alvin Bowen recording 20 tackles in his first game as a starter.

Bowen had 14 solo tackles and also recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter that ended a Toledo drive.

His counterpart at linebacker, Tyrone McKenzie, had 15 tackles of his own as well as an interception late in the second quarter. He also forced the fumble Bowen recovered.

“Those guys have talent and really can make plays,” McCarney said. “That’s a tremendous job.”

The Cyclones also received a tremendous performance from true freshman Rashawn Parker. The defensive lineman’s first two sacks of his career were huge, coming on back-to-back plays with the game tied late in the fourth, halting a Toledo drive.

“I said in February when we signed him that we had two players who should be national recruits and were not, [quarterback] Austen Arnaud and Rashawn Parker,” McCarney said. “Neither one disappointed me.”

Another overlooked facet of the defense was its domination of Toledo’s run game.

The Rockets rushed 27 times for 45 yards, only 1.7 yards per carry. After setting school records last season, the Cyclones run defense was third best in the Big 12 after the first week and 12th best in the nation.

Iowa State’s defense also received a boost with the word that safety James Smith’s recovery from a broken ankle is proceeding ahead of schedule. He was listed as the team’s No. 1 strong safety before the injury.

McCarney said there is no timetable yet for Smith’s return but doctors are happy with the freshman’s progress.

Other resources from ISD:

Big 12 Break Through(08/21)

Four Cyclone players hurt in preseason play(08/21)

Harris moves to defense(08/21)

More on Cyclone football…(08/21)

Season of opportunit(08/23)y

Football strives to find running back balance(08/24)

Blythe here to stay(08/25)

Harris finds home at safety(08/25)

McCarney chooses next season’s captains(08/28)

Ponca City recruits have shown potential(08/28)

Road to recovery(08/31)

Hicks: healthy and lovin’ it (08/31)

New football pre-game festivities in ’06 (08/31)

Too close for comfort (09/01)

Toledo Takedown (09/01)