Defensive Player to Watch: Mike Rose

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY SportsIowa State needs to get third down stops if they want to win on Saturday.

The Cyclones defense has been fantastic so far this season in nearly every facet of the game through three games this season. Jon Heacock’s defense has allowed just 4.4 yards per play, 3.2 rushing, and 5.6 passing. That’s a formula for success. Yet, it hasn’t been.

For some reason, the Iowa State defense has sprung a leak. There’s been some missed tackles, but that will happen no matter how elite a defense is. There’s something more.

The defense is putting opposing offenses in uncomfortable 3rd and long situations and doing their job. But once they get there, quarterbacks keep finding…