AMES (MCT) — Despite taking one hit after another to its personnel, Iowa State’s defense still had to be considered one of the best in the Big 12 Conference this season.

The Cyclones ranked third in the Big 12 in points allowed per game (23.3) and 36th among FBS teams. Considering that ISU faced six teams that ranked in the top 20 in scoring in the Big 12, all of whom averaged 37.7 points or better, it’s an impressive statistic.

More impressive is the fact the Cyclones held 11 of 12 opponents below their season scoring average, and in six cases it was 10 or more points below average. The Cyclones were the only team in the Big 12 to not allow an opponent to score 40 or more points in a game.