 "Photo: Coleman Morefield")
The Iowa State Cyclones found a new contributor to their running attack.
Last week - in ISU's loss against Nebraska - running back Jason Scales helped fill the void after J.J. Bass went down with a shoulder injury. Scales rushed for a career-high 115 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Cyclones a new option at tailback.
"(Scales) made some tough yards in there and I think he came in and really did a nice job and filled his role in taking J.J.'s place very well," ISU coach Gene Chizik said. "I think we still (have to) continue to find ways to run the ball better, but he came in and did everything we asked him to do Saturday."
The Tech defense could get another look at a multiple running back system from the Cyclones after seeing teams with similar styles earlier in the season.
In each of the Red Raiders' five games, at least two running backs had 22 or more combined carries. Tech allowed 115 yards on the ground against SMU, 215 yards from UTEP, 99 yards against Rice and 366 against Oklahoma State - where three the Cowboys had three 100-yard rushers.
The Tech defense's best game statistically against the run came against Northwestern State, allowing just 15 yards on the ground.
"There's not a lot we did differently, the only thing we got into was running to the ball and being excited to play," Tech linebacker Brian Duncan said. "We got the mentality of being a swarming defense and that's the only thing that changed."
Bass is the Cyclones' leading rusher with 390 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Scales - who has played in just two games - finds himself third on the team in rushing behind quarterback Brett Meyer, who has 195 yards on the ground with one touchdown, and Bass.
Tech coach Mike Leach said the Cyclones have the characteristic of being quick and playing with a certain attitude.
"I think they're a team that flies around and plays with a certain level of intensity " Leach said. "I expect a good challenge."
The Tech defense is ranked 47th in the nation in total defense and 74th in rushing defense. The Tech defense is ranked No. 10 in the Big 12 Conference in rushing defense this seasn.
Chizik said he expects to see a Tech defense with the same concepts with interim defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeil at the helm of the defense.
"I don't think you can make wholesale changes in the defense midway through the year," he said. "Obviously, you can add whatever flare felt necessary and you can tweak some things some. I think to make wholesale changes would be hard, but not to say they can't. It would be hard to do. I think the kids - they've been playing that defense for a while and that's what they know."
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Be the first to comment on this article!