Iowa State University’s success this season may depend more on their defense, than the legs and arms of quarterback Seneca Wallace. Senior linebacker Matt Word says with lots of experience back, the defense is ready to meet the challenge.Word led the Cyclones in tackles last season and had a huge game in the Independence Bowl, with nine tackles. He says that game, which included two sacks, has propelled him into this season with lots of confidence.He says the bowl game performance showed all his talents coming together. He says everything came together as he grew wiser, smarter and stronger during the season.Word says he’ll play like he has nothing to lose in his final season.He’s not worried about a 13-game season and several highly ranked opponents wearing down his enthusiasm, as they see it as a big challenge.Word and the rest of the Cyclone defense will get their first test against Florida State August 24th in Kansas City.