By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big12Sports.com Correspondent
Iowa State's defense had some funky numbers in 2009. The Cyclones allowed 415 yards per game but forced 32 turnovers and allowed 21.8 points per game. Most importantly, Iowa State gave up 23 points or less in its seven victories.
When the Cyclones open the season Thursday night against Northern Illinois, the defense will be without six starters including its entire linebacker unit from last season. Iowa State will count on a number of young players to fill the gaps.
"It's a work in progress is how it's developed," second-year coach Paul Rhoads said. "I think it will continue to be throughout the season."
Iowa State's run defense figures to be tested against a Northern Illinois team that averaged 195 yards rushing per game last season. Running back Chad Spann gained 1,038 yards and scored 19 touchdowns in 2009.
"They make no hiding of the fact that they like to run the ball and they are going to establish that," Rhoads said. "I don't know if I've ever seen anyone run it more ways than they do. They are very effective at running the football and they are very physical at running the football."
Iowa State counters with its own solid running back in senior Alexander Robinson. Despite battling injuries last season, Robinson gained 1,195 yards on the ground and finished second in the Big 12.
Senior quarterback Austen Arnaud wants to be more accurate throwing the football and that should translate in the Cyclones having a more consistent attack. Last season, Iowa State averaged 20.5 points a game. In three of its losses, it scored 10 points or less.
"Northern Illinois is a great program," Arnaud said. "They won at Purdue last season, lost at Wisconsin 28-20. They're a team that can match up with anybody. They're a team with a chip on their shoulder and they're going to come in here expecting to win."
Northern Illinois at Iowa State
Need to know: 7 p.m. CT, Jack Trice Stadium, FSN.
Records (2009): Northern Illinois 7-6; Baylor 7-6.
Scouting Northern Illinois: The Huskies have 30 freshmen and sophomores listed on their two-deep chart; 19 of those are on the defensive side. Northern Illinois has won bowl games in consecutive seasons and are favored to win the Mid-American Conference West Division this season. One of the Huskies' top defensive players is end Jake Coffman, a 26-year-old Marine Corps veteran.
Scouting Iowa State: The Cyclones face the nation's toughest schedule with four top 10 teams on the slate. Senior quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson are productive offensive weapons. Arnaud wants to be more accurate throwing the ball and he's got a number of solid receivers as targets. The defense will be young and must replace six starters.
This and that: Iowa State senior Daniel Kuehl will probably be the No. 1 punter. He has the edge on true freshman Kirby Van Der Kamp for the punting job. … Northern Illinois is 1-2 against Iowa State and 4-9 against Big 12 teams. … This is one of four road games in the first five games on the Huskies' schedule.