While many members of the Big 12 Conference had some big performances in Week 2, one defensive back from the league stood out above the rest as Pro Football Focus’ top-rated player.
Iowa State’s Darien Porter took home the honor with a 91.3 PFF grade for his role in the team’s 20-19 win over Iowa.
Porter’s performance against in-state rival Iowa was one of the biggest performances of any defensive player in the Big 12 Conference’s Week 2 slate. The Iowa native recorded two total tackles on the day, but headlined the defensive back room with two interceptions to turn the tide in favor of the Cyclones.
Largely in part due to Porter, the Cyclone defense helped keep Iowa’s (albeit notoriously punt-heavy) offense from moving the football effectively. The Cyclones’ defense forced Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara to have his worst day of the season and the worst day in some time from a statistical standpoint. McNamara finished the game by failing to reach 100 yards though the air, with 99 yards passing and two interceptions.
With Porter stepping up for the Cyclone defense, the special teams unit paved way for a hero of its own to step up. Freshman kicker Kyle Konrardy became the hero in Ames and villain in Iowa City by hitting a 54-yard game-winning field goal, which sealed the day off as a win for Iowa State.
Porter and the Cyclones will take the field next on Saturday, September 21st, vs. Arkansas State.
