The Iowa State football team is 5-3 after Saturday’s 9-7 win on the road at Nebraska.
It’s now time to go inside the numbers to see where the Cyclones are ranked on the nationally scene, strictly by the statistics. The Offensive Numbers
The Cyclone offense had a hard time getting going on Saturday in Memorial Stadium. Iowa State only mustered up 239 total yards on the day. Still, through eight games, the Cyclones are ranked 16th nationally in rushing offense, averaging 204.25 rushing yards per game. Jerome Tiller led Iowa State in this stat on Saturday as the freshman quarterback ran for 73 yards on 19 carries. Running back Jeremiah Schwartz rushed for 51 yards, but struggled with an average of 2.3 yards per carry.
Iowa State is still the top ranked rushing team in the Big 12, by quite a bit too. With that number of 204.25 rushing yards a game, Kansas State sits second averaging 186.50.
One play highlighted Iowa State’s passing attack on Saturday. That was Jerome Tiller’s 47-yard touchdown pass to Jake Williams in the second quarter. Tiller went 9-for-19 in the game, while throwing for 102 yards and the one touchdown. Iowa State’s passing offense is currently ranked 97th nationally, averaging 183.38 yards per contest. Senior Marquis Hamilton continues to lead the team in receptions, at 4.25 per game.
Iowa State’s offensive line is still statistically the best in the nation, when it comes to protecting the quarterback that is. The Cyclone O-line has only given up four quarterback sacks through eight games.
The Defensive Numbers
It’d be a sports journalism sin to not start this section off without breaking down the eight turnovers Iowa State forced against Nebraska on Saturday. That number puts Iowa State at second nationally in turnovers gained, just two behind the mighty Ohio Bobcats. Kansas Stats is the second best team in the league at forcing turnovers. The Wildcats have collected 21 on the season.
Iowa State’s defense has forced 12 turnovers in their past two games.
Iowa State’s defense gave up 362 yards to the Huskers on the day. That’s just under this teams season average of 383.63. That number ranks Iowa State’s defense 82nd in the nation. The Cyclones are ranked 62nd against the run and 99th against the pass.
Individual Notes
Senior linebacker Jesse Smith was named the national defensive player of the week when he recorded 12 tackles, a fumble and an interception against Nebraska. Smith is now averaging 10.88 tackles per game, which is ninth-best nationally.
Mike Brandtner’s punting average of 42.70 yards per kick is the 28th best average in college football.
