Iowa State Football: Breaking Down the Cyclones' Defense in 2011

The Iowa State Cyclones came up just short of making a bowl game in 2010.

Finishing the year 5-7, the Cyclones hope to finally get over the hurdle and make it to a bowl game.

Here, I will go through position by position and grade each unit of the defense.

From the lineman to the secondary, each unit is equally important in assuring a successful 2011 campaign.

Defense: B-

The Cyclones return seven starters from the 2010 team and will have some position battles all summer camp, leading up to the showdown with Northern Iowa on September 3.

The defense should be a little better than the offense in 2011, and will need to carry the team most games this season.

Defensive Line: C+

Yes, the Cyclones bring in two new faces on the line, but they rotated frequently in 2010, and the new starters have live reps.

Seniors Stephen Ruempolhamer and Jacob Lattimer return and will be the vocal leaders in trenches.

A battle for the final two spots on the line will be won some time in camp.

Linebackers: B

This is easily the Cyclones' best unit, offensively or defensively.

Jake Knott comes into his junior season primed for a great (all Big 12 worthy) year in 2011.

Starter AJ Klein also returns from last year's starting squad, and new starter Matt Tua’fo’ou will also be ready to go September 3.

Defensive Backs: C+

The Cyclones pass defense has been nothing short of terrible for the past 10 or so seasons.

But with three of four starters back, experience will finally be a factor for this unit.

After allowing 64 percent of passes to be completed against the Cyclones secondary, that number should go down between five and 10 percent in 2011.

Look for one of the more improved units in the entire Big 12.

Big improvements are expected to be made.