Back to the Iowa State Cyclones Newsfeed

Football: Math 101 - Why ISU says a four-man defensive front may be better than a three-man one for Iowa

Iowa runs an old-school offense. Two-back sets. Appearances by a fullback. It’s a relic in an era of spread systems.

To offset it, Iowa State will rely on its own old-school counter. After utilizing a three-man fronts against Northern Iowa, the Cyclones will look to replicate their opening defensive success with a different look.

The Cyclones are expected to revert back to their 4-3 defense on Saturday (3:45 p.m., Fox).

“You are going to see downhill football,” coach Paul Rhoads said. “You are going to see power football. You are not going to survive in a three-man front against that kind of offense.