Western Illinois @ Iowa State preview

The Cyclones bring a stingy defense into their third game of the season against Western Illinois on Saturday. While both teams are unbeaten on the season, the similarities end there. Iowa State is ranked 12th in the nation in pass efficiency defense while allowing just 29 points in two games. The Cyclones held Iowa to two field goals and sealed the game with a late interception by linebacker Jake Knott, allowing just 68 yards rushing and five first downs. The Leathernecks averaged 25 points per game in victories over Butler and Indianapolis, but will face their stiffest challenge by far against Iowa State’s defense. Western Illinois intercepted four passes in beating Indianapolis, starting a season 2-0 for the first time since 2003.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Cyclones.tv LINE: None

ABOUT WESTERN ILLINOIS (2-0): The Leathernecks needed Martinez Davis’ 49-yard interception return for a touchdown last week to distance themselves from Division II Indianapolis. Quarterback Josh Hudson passed for 140 yards and rushed for a score, and running back Caulton Ray rushed for 99 yards on 19 attempts. Kicker Pat Smith is 5-for-5 on field goals through the first two games. He booted a career-best 46-yarder against Indianapolis. Western Illinois was picked ninth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (2-0): Linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein anchor the Cyclones’ defense. Klein earned co-Big 12 defensive player of the year honors last season. The two have combined for 32 tackles in two games this season. The Iowa State secondary, which lost cornerback Leonard Johnson to the NFL, has played very well. Receiver James White caught seven passes for 75 yards (both career highs) last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Iowa State coach Paul Rhodes is the first coach in school history to take the Cyclones to two bowl games in his first three seasons at the school.

2. Western Illinois has not defeated a FBS school since knocking off Eastern Michigan in 2003.

3. This is the first meeting between the two schools, despite being just 244 miles apart.

PREDICTION: Iowa State 34, Western Illinois 7