The Cyclones allow just three points as their string of strong plays carries on.<\/b>
\nLAS VEGAS \u2013 Brock Purdy tried to take stock of what was amiss for the Iowa State offense. After misfiring for two weeks, the Iowa State quarterback looked around for inspiration on how to fix what was broken for the Cyclones. He found it on his own sideline. \u201cWhat our offense did this past week is, \u2018Hey, look at what the defense does so successfully,\u201d Purdy said. \u201cThey\u2019re a tight unit. They love each other. They play for one another.\u2019 \u201cThat\u2019s how we should be as well on offense.\u201d That apparently did the trick as No.14 Iowa State\u2019s offense found its stride while the defense continued its dominant ways in a 48-3 dismantling of UNLV on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium. While the offense finally exploding for the Cyclones (2-1) will likely draw the most attention given their early-season struggles, the defense\u2019s performance against the Rebels (0-3) was worthy of the inspiration Purdy and the offense drew from them earlier in the week. More: Peterson: How much will Iowa State’s confidence-boosting win help get offense going? UNLV had just 18 yards in the first half Saturday and finished with 130 total for the game \u2014 36 rushing,94 passing. That’s the fewest yards Iowa State has held an opponent to since 2017 when Kansas managed just 107. \u201cThey\u2019re playing with a lot of confidence,\u201d Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. \u201cThat group, I feel, has played with a great sense of urgency.\u201d That urgency has translated into historic success. The Cyclones have now held an opponent under 300 yards of total offense in three straight games, a first since 1999. The last four Iowa State opponents, dating to last year\u2019s Fiesta Bowl, have failed to crack 100 yards rushing, which is the longest streak for Iowa State since 1946. \u201cJust played our good defense,\u201d safety Isheem Young, who had three tackles and an interception, said. \u201cIt\u2019s all 11 on the field.\u201d More: Iowa State analysis: Cyclones’ offense awakens in blowout over UNLV The Cyclones\u2019 defense gave up a first down to UNLV via penalty on the Rebels\u2019 first drive of the game, but then held them without a first down on five consecutive drives as Iowa State built a 31-0 lead. \u201cI\u2019ll continue to say the defense is the heart and soul of this team,\u201d Purdy said. Iowa State\u2019s excellence defensively helped the Cyclones weather a difficult stretch in the first half when they managed to convert three red zone trips into just three points. UNLV was unable to capitalize in any form. The Cyclones were able to squeeze UNLV despite playing their second-straight game without middle linebacker O\u2019Rien Vance, who is out with injury. Campbell said Vance remains day-to-day. Gerry Vaughn stepped into Vance\u2019s spot, and led the Cyclones with seven tackles (2.5 for a loss) and a sack. \u201cWe just stay by each other, pick each other up always,\u201d Young said. Iowa State registered three sacks without Will McDonald, one of the nation\u2019s most talented defensive ends, recording one. McDonald, though, made his presence felt despite recording just one tackle against UNLV, as the Rebels geared their protection to stop him and were called for holding penalties to try to contain him. \u201cWill is one of those guys, he\u2019s got such an elite first three steps,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cHe can really put the pressure on people. For the most part, they were turning the protection toward him and (he) still was able to create some havoc in the football game. \u201cHis ability to get after the quarterback is huge.\u201d The defense is now likely to be tested unlike it has been this season as Big 12 play is set to begin. While Iowa State\u2019s defensive numbers are wildly impressive, they have come against three opponents (Northern Iowa, Iowa and UNLV) not exactly known for offensive firepower. Iowa State faces Baylor, which entered the weekend ranked 11th nationally in total offense, on Saturday in Waco to open league play. \u201cThey\u2019re going to get challenged along the way here,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cI still think you\u2019re getting ready to go down the gauntlet of some top-tier offenses. Not to demean anybody, but I don\u2019t know if we\u2019ve played that yet, but I do think we have done a great job of handling the opportunities to do what we need to do on the defensive side of the football.\u201d Travis Hines covers Iowa State University sports for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune. Contact him at thines@amestrib.com or (515) 284-8000. F ollow him at @TravisHines21.<\/p>\n