AMES, Iowa (AP) — The buzz surrounding Iowa State’s ever-changing quarterback situation has obscured the most important development yet for the Cyclones. They’ve played excellent defense so far. Iowa State (5-3, 2-3 Big 12) is one win shy of its third bowl bid in four years heading into Saturday’s game against Oklahoma (5-2, 3-1) because it has played strong defense in a league full of offense.

The Cyclones are allowing 19.8 points per game, good for third in the Big 12. Coach Paul Rhoads says the Cyclones will work hard to pick up the slack after linebacker Jake Knott was lost for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.