Iowa State Cyclones Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas Longhorns

The Iowa State Cyclones might have the best defense in the Big 12

The Iowa State Cyclones are looking to throw the Big 12 and College Football Playoff races into chaos on Saturday when the No. 7 Texas Longhorns come Ames for Senior Night.

And if history is to be believed, they will have a good shot, with the Cyclones winning three of the last four matchups, including the last two in Ames.

Not to mention, the Longhorns have had issues closing out opponents, with four of their last five games coming down to the wire and ending in one-score decisions.

Fortunately for the Cyclones, their defense has been one of the best in the Big 12 this season, ranking fourth in the conference in scoring defense, third in rushing defense, first in pass defense, and first in total defense. 

In other words, the Horns will have little margin for error offensively in Ames on Saturday night. 

Here are three players to watch when Texas takes the field against Iowa State on Nov. 18.

Iowa State safety Beay Freyler :: Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune-USA TODAY NETWORK

DB Jeremiah Cooper

The most productive member of the Cyclones secondary in terms of playmaking, defensive back Jeremiah Cooper leads the team with 5 interceptions.

The sophomore also has 36 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss for six passes broken up.

SAF Beau Freyler

Safety Beau Freyler was all over the field the last time Texas and Iowa State met.

He led all players with 11 tackles, combining with Vaughn for a tackle for loss in a goal-line stand effort. On the following play, quarterback Quinn Ewers hit Worthy on a 3-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass.

This season, he looks to do the same and leads the team in tackles with 74 total tackles.

DL J.R. Singleton

The top pass rusher for the Cyclones, J.R. Singleton is tops on the team with 3.5 sacks through 10 games. 

He also has 3.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback Hurries, and 15 total tackles.