The Cyclone offense led the way to victory over Ohio Saturday, moving the ball all afternoon on the way to a 48-point effort.

And then there was the ISU defense.

“At times we struggled in pass coverage on defense,” McCarney said.

“We gave up 200 yards in three plays, which is inexcusable and just ridiculous.”

Ohio finished with 404 yards of total offense, 219 of them coming on three huge plays when the Bobcats fooled the ISU defensive secondary.

The option-oriented Ohio team scored on their second drive with a 68-yard option keeper by quarterback Fred Ray.

Later in the quarter, backup quarterback Ryan Hawk threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Scott Mayle.

Midway through the third quarter, a 71-yard pass play from Ray to receiver Anthony Hackett set up Ohio’s only points of the second half.

“We have zero chance against Iowa or anyone else in our league (Big 12) if we continue to give up those chunks of yards,” McCarney said.

Senior defensive tackle Jordan Carstens said Ohio is a tough team to prepare for on account of the flexbone offensive formation.

“A lot of the teams we prepare for are pro-style throwing teams; it’s just one of those things,” Carstens said.

Senior nose guard Nick Leaders said the team made some improvements but needs to continue improving every day.

“We should have another great week of practice and be ready to play next weekend as a better team,” Leaders said.