The Iowa State Cyclones open Big-12 play at home Saturday against number-15Kansas State. The Cyclones are 3-0 and lead the nation in rushing yardage atmore than 354 yards per game but coach Dan McCarney says improvement by thedefense has also been a major factor in their success.After receiving a vote in the coaches poll this week, the Cyclones may be avictory away from an appearance in the top-25.McCarney says at least going into the game the Cyclones feel much betterabout their chances.Darren Davis is second in the nation in rushing right now and McCarney sayshis performance to this point has rivaled older brother Troy.