Ames, IA- The Iowa State defense is a top-40 crew in the FBS that ranks 22nd in yards per play. The defense allowed for an inexperienced offense to get some confidence to their game and guide them to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl a year after the Cyclones finished 4-8. Three players helped lead that charge.
T.J. Tampa was named to the AP All-Big 12 First Team at the cornerback position. Tampa collected two interceptions on the season to go along with seven pass breakups and allowed only one touchdown in 414 coverage snaps.
Also garnering All-Big 12 First Team status was safety Jeremiah Cooper. His five interceptions rank fifth in the nation as he also tallied 41 tackles on the season, allowing just one touchdown.
Lastly, Beau Freyler was named All-Big 12 Second Team at the safety position. Freyler made 96 tackles, which ranked seventh in the conference, and nabbed three interceptions.
The defense will look to shut down Memphis on December 29th at 2:30 pm in Memphis.