Jon Heacock has led a defensive unit that has been gutted by injury but still has managed to rank among the nation's Top 20 in scoring defense (17th, 18.6) and passing defense (3rd, 153.4). ISU linebackers have missed a total 40 games, with the starters from spring ball playing a combined 2 games and 42 snaps. The Cyclone defense has been tested in the run game due to these injuries and facing three of the nation's top 10 rushers. ISU's passing defense has done its job in making opponents one dimensional, holding a nation's best four opponents to less than 100 yards passing. Heacock's defense has forced 18 turnovers, ranking third in the Big 12 Conference and 21st nationally. With 14 interceptions, ISU ranks ninth nationally and second among Big 12 Conference teams. The Cyclones have been incredibly solid in the second half of games with Heacock and his staff’s adjustments, allowing just 7.4 points in the back half of games. ISU has given up just six fourth-quarter touchdowns this season, only three of which came on drives that didn’t start in Cyclone territory. During Heacock's nine-year tenure at ISU, the Cyclones have finished in the top 3 in scoring defense in the Big 12 in eight-straight seasons. It has also been in the top 5 of total defense in eight-straight seasons.
