Iowa State football: Why the defense shouldn’t be blamed

The following is a submission from Brian Voss, an Iowa State University student that is currently a news reporter at the Iowa State Daily and is a co-host on a local sports radio show.

Iowa State gave up 71 points and 714 yards total offense to Baylor, in what proved to be a lopsided loss many thought was impossible. A week before Texas Tech put up 42 points and 666 yards of total offense against the Cyclones.

Oct 19, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Lache Seastrunk (25) runs for a first down as Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Cory Morrissey (48) defends during the first half at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State’s defense was far from good, let alone great in either of those losses. Despite that, I have trouble putting a lot of blame on the defense for either loss, and for that matter any of the losses.

Against Texas Tech, the Cyclones’ offense only ran 78 offensive plays, while the Red Raiders ran 101 plays from behind center. Time of possession aside, any defense is going to be tired being on the field that much.

Against Baylor it was much of the same story; Iowa State had 60 offensive plays while the Bears had 92.

Wally Burnham’s defense has been thought of in Ames as a unit that got the Cyclones to bowl games, and rightfully so. In 2012, despite giving up 445 yards per game, the Cyclones’ defense ranked 3rd in the Big 12 in scoring defense, only allowing 24 points per game.

In previous seasons, Burnham’s defense was also tough, or at least tough enough to give the Cyclones a chance to win. Iowa State never surrendered more than 30 points per game in head coach Paul Rhoads’s time in Ames.

This season Iowa State ranks 112th in the country in scoring defense, allowing nearly 37 points per game.

While Iowa State’s defense has never been great, it has given the offense a chance to win almost every game. I’d even argue the defense did enough to win every game in 2012.

The defense is not as good this year as it was last year, but after four years of a team led by the defense it’s time for the offense to take a step up. With a hobbled Sam Richardson, battered offensive line, and questionable play calling, that seems unlikely at this point.

I can’t blame the defense for the Cyclones’ 1-5 record. They’ve had four fairly solid years all things considered. This years’ record is on the offense and the offensive staff. The sooner Rhoads realizes that the better.