By LUKE MEREDITH
AP Sports Writer

AMES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa State's program has come to be defined by the fiery, passionate persona of coach Paul Rhoads.

The on-field identity of the Cyclones has been forged by seniors Jake Knott and A.J. Klein, a pair of once-overlooked linebackers who've blossomed into one of the top defensive duos in the country.

The Cyclones are off to their second straight 3-0 start behind a defense that's been better than most expected. They're 13th in the nation in scoring defense at 10.7 points allowed per game and they haven't allowed a touchdown in two weeks.

The performance of Iowa State's defense so far has only solidified Knott and Klein's reputation as program changers.

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