Cyclone defense holds its own

Texas Tech entered the game with a potent offense, having averaged over 46 points in its last four games. The Red Raiders had also been averaging over 540 yards of total offense in their last three games. The Cyclone defense gave up 461 yards, but only allowed 17 points to the Red Raiders on Saturday.

“I am thrilled to come out of that game and hold Texas Tech to 17 points — they are averaging 38 points a game,” McCarney said. “We tried to keep them guessing whether it’s blitz, rush three or rush five. You can’t max blitz Kingsbury — he is one the best quarterbacks I have ever coached against.

“John Skladany and his defensive staff did an outstanding job. That is one of the toughest preparations you will ever have because of the guy taking the snaps.”

Senior linebacker Matt Word is proud to be a part of such a strong group.

“Every week we are going after that ball making sure we get those turnovers,” said Word, who is second on the team in tackles with 65. “We want to get the ball in Seneca and that offense’s hands because we know that they can put up the points when we give it to them. The coaches putting in all the effort, the scout team, all of them get credit for it, and we just go out there and run to the ball and try and make the plays.”

Cyclones winning turnover battle

After forcing four Texas Tech turnovers, Iowa State now has a turnover ratio of plus-11, good for first in the Big 12. It has forced 17 fumbles and recovered 12 of them in seven games. They’ve also intercepted seven passes.

“Turnover ratio, we get four of them on defense and give up zero on offense,” McCarney said. “You’ve got a chance to win a lot of games in the Big 12 and on any level if you are getting turnovers like that.”

— Nate Frandsen