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Resiliency key for ISU defense
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-11-17
Iowa State linebacker Fred Garrin doesn’t care what just happened to the Cyclone defense.
It may have been a 30-yard gain. It may have been a turnover. It may have been a touchdown.
Each time he lines up, he only has one thing on his mind.
“I have to make a play; the defense has to make a play,” Garrin said. “I can never get too high or too low, because there is always another play that is going to have to be made.”
It’s that mind-set that’s allowed the Cyclone defense to bounce back regardless of what’s happened the last week, last series or last play. It’s that resiliency that’s helped ISU become bowl eligible for the first time since 2005.
“It is a pretty strong attribute,” coach Paul Rhoads said. “They’ve had a couple of games where they have given up some points, but they don’t lose confidence. They pride themselves on being tough.”
Especially near the goal line.
The Cyclones held Colorado to three points on four trips into the red zone last week. The defense led the way in a 17-10 victory over the Buffaloes. It was the third time in Big 12 play ISU has held an opponent to 10 points or less.
But the Cyclones have also given up at least 30 points four times this season. They allow 403 yards a game and rank 96th nationally in total defense.
What amazes defensive coordinator Wally Burnham about his unit is how it finds a way to respond after each tough outing.
Two weeks ago, ISU gave up 34 points and 331 rushing yards to then-No. 18 Oklahoma State. Last week, the Cyclones outplayed the Buffaloes for 60 minutes.
“They have a will to win, and they are hungry,” Burnham said. “They got a little food. They won some games. They liked how it tasted, and they want more.”
Rhoads believes the improvement of seniors such as linebacker Jesse Smith, defensive tackle Nate Frere and Garrin has played a large role in the defense’s ability to make plays.
Freshman linebacker Jake Knott said the seniors’ mind-set and will to work has influenced everyone else.
“Our defensive leaders do a good job of not letting things bother them,” Knott said. “Everyone feeds off that and tries to emulate it.”
And the result is a defense that gives up 21.5 points a game and has created 29 turnovers.
“Yes, we give up some yards, and we are 11th in the conference in total defense, but we are fifth in scoring,” Rhoads said. “That is the most important stat, how many points you give up.”
ISU has had issues with spread offenses. This season, Kansas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State scored at least 34 points against ISU using spread offenses.
But Garrin believes the Cyclones finally are in a position to limit their vulnerability to the spread when traveling to Missouri on Saturday.
“We are playing better,” Garrin said. “We have to keep playing assignment football and we’ll be fine.”
And, of course, ignore what’s already happened.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929 or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-11-17
Iowa State's Fred Garrin, left, tackles Colorado's Tyler Hansen on Saturday as Michael O'Connell runs toward the play. The Cyclones have held three Big 12 opponents to 10 points or less this season.
Tribune photo by Ronnie Miller
Tribune photo by Ronnie Miller
Iowa State linebacker Fred Garrin doesn’t care what just happened to the Cyclone defense.
It may have been a 30-yard gain. It may have been a turnover. It may have been a touchdown.
Each time he lines up, he only has one thing on his mind.
“I have to make a play; the defense has to make a play,” Garrin said. “I can never get too high or too low, because there is always another play that is going to have to be made.”
It’s that mind-set that’s allowed the Cyclone defense to bounce back regardless of what’s happened the last week, last series or last play. It’s that resiliency that’s helped ISU become bowl eligible for the first time since 2005.
“It is a pretty strong attribute,” coach Paul Rhoads said. “They’ve had a couple of games where they have given up some points, but they don’t lose confidence. They pride themselves on being tough.”
Especially near the goal line.
The Cyclones held Colorado to three points on four trips into the red zone last week. The defense led the way in a 17-10 victory over the Buffaloes. It was the third time in Big 12 play ISU has held an opponent to 10 points or less.
But the Cyclones have also given up at least 30 points four times this season. They allow 403 yards a game and rank 96th nationally in total defense.
What amazes defensive coordinator Wally Burnham about his unit is how it finds a way to respond after each tough outing.
Two weeks ago, ISU gave up 34 points and 331 rushing yards to then-No. 18 Oklahoma State. Last week, the Cyclones outplayed the Buffaloes for 60 minutes.
“They have a will to win, and they are hungry,” Burnham said. “They got a little food. They won some games. They liked how it tasted, and they want more.”
Rhoads believes the improvement of seniors such as linebacker Jesse Smith, defensive tackle Nate Frere and Garrin has played a large role in the defense’s ability to make plays.
Freshman linebacker Jake Knott said the seniors’ mind-set and will to work has influenced everyone else.
“Our defensive leaders do a good job of not letting things bother them,” Knott said. “Everyone feeds off that and tries to emulate it.”
And the result is a defense that gives up 21.5 points a game and has created 29 turnovers.
“Yes, we give up some yards, and we are 11th in the conference in total defense, but we are fifth in scoring,” Rhoads said. “That is the most important stat, how many points you give up.”
ISU has had issues with spread offenses. This season, Kansas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State scored at least 34 points against ISU using spread offenses.
But Garrin believes the Cyclones finally are in a position to limit their vulnerability to the spread when traveling to Missouri on Saturday.
“We are playing better,” Garrin said. “We have to keep playing assignment football and we’ll be fine.”
And, of course, ignore what’s already happened.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929 or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
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