A plug for ISU's defense

Is that headline correct? Something positive to say about Iowa State's defense?

Believe it.

Usually when you include the word plug and ISU's defense in the same sentence, it's in the context of plugging holes in a unit riddled with them. But this year's group has been much more stout than what we've seen in the recent past.

All the buzz going into the season was over the new spread offense that was supposed to dazzle everyone with passing and light up the scoreboard. But that unit isn't yet running as smoothly as the coaches would like. Instead, it's the defense that deserves a lot of the credit for the Cyclones' 3-1 start. And who thought we'd be saying that?

In its three victories, Iowa State has given up 17, 14 and 10 points -- this from a unit that was torched for 35.8 points a game last season. Yes, the Cyclones gave up 35 points in their drubbing by Iowa, but a lot of that had to do with the offense's six turnovers.  Even the best defense can lose its will if it has to keep dragging itself back onto the field after a slew of  turnovers.

So far, the Cyclones' undersized defensive line has held up, though it hurts losing end Rashawn Parker for the rest of the season with his torn ACL. Jesse Smith is having a strong senior season at middle linebacker. Ditto for James Smith at free safety. JC transfer David Sims has been a nice addition at strong safety. His leaping one-handed interception against Iowa was highlight reel stuff.

For sure there are concerns heading into Big 12 play, starting with that smallish defensive line, a group that's now without one of its leaders. The linebackers aren't all that big, either, and heck, neither are the DBs. In the pass-happy Big 12, they're going to see more sophisticated offenses than what they've faced so far.

But for now, Cyclone fans should celebrate their team's 3-1 start. That's more games than ISU won last year and as many as the Cyclones won in 2007. And there's a good chance -- dare we say this? -- to be 4-1. The Cyclones get Kansas State in their opener at Arrowhead Stadium in KC and they're actually favored by three points. Any team that can lose to Louisiana-Lafayette, as KSU did, certainly can lose to Iowa State. Nebraska, by contrast, pounded Louisiana-Lafayette 55-0.

Later, ISU gets Baylor at home and the Bears won't be the same without quarterback Robert Griffin. Colorado visits later and Buffs have shown they can be had ...

Geez, I gotta stop before everyone starts thinking I'm drowning myself in Cardinal and Gold Kool-Aid, too.