Classic Heacock

A cool, windy day in Stillwater. An opponent that is on a 17 game B12 losing streak. Less than 15K semi-interested fans in the stands. But the OSU QB was finding some success throwing the ball, and led a 14-play TD drive just before halftime. A 10-7 lead for Iowa State coming out of halftime.

What does the defense do? Give up 2 field goals and give the offense time to gel. Which is what they do in the second half almost every week. 

OSU's second half:

3-8 punt

6-17 punt

4-3 FG (stated at the ISU 14!)

5-20 INT

3-5 punt

9-33 FG

Up 17-7, ISU turned up the heat and got three key sacks that blew up possessions. Closers.

If you are playing the percentages, the Heacock defense is a safe bet.

Great Stats From "Bad" Defense

The ISU defense struggled against the run in 2024, finishing 15th in the 16 team league. (OSU was last by a bunch.)

Yet the Cyclones finished tied for first in scoring defense in conference games at 22 ppg, which is the number that matters. 

Being the best defense against the pass was required, thanks to an outstanding back 5. Add in that ISU only had 7 sacks in 9 games, the scoring number is even more impressive.

Jump back to 2023: ISU was 3rd in scoring D at 22 ppg, 2nd in rushing and 5th in passing. They had 21 sacks.  

Finishing 7-2 in 2024 with a bad rush defense was amazing, edging on miracle. Stay in the top 4 for scoring defense and the wins will follow.