AP PHOTO Iowa State linebacker Jake Knott (20) looks to break a tackle by Northern Illinois wide receiver Martel Moore (1) after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NCAA football game Thursday in Ames. Knott had two interceptions in Iowa State’s 27-10 victory in its season opener at Jack Trice Stadium.

AMES — The thought was the that the offense would be the consistent side of the football for Iowa State heading into the 2010 season. But with one game of evidence to judge, the defense may be able to carry its own weight after all. Early game success turned into sputtering wheels for the ISU offense, but the defense handcuffed Northern Illinois and helped the Cyclones to a season-opening 27-10 victory on Thursday under the lights of Jack Trice Stadium. The offense was expected to buoy an inexperienced defense, but defensive coordinator Wally Burnham’s unit did more than hold its own against the Huskies (0-1), holding them to 249 yards, forcing three turnovers and killing a number of drives once NIU had crossed the 50-yard line. “Credit Wally Burnham and his staff for having the kids prepared first of all, for the kids going out and executing the gameplan, being where they were supposed to be,” said ISU head coach Paul Rhoads.