Iowa State needs the defense to be consistent if they want to turn the season around and win games, and the linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen has been doing his part. Through six games, Schlimgen has recorded 56 tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack to give Iowa State a reliable presence in the middle of its defense. 

One of the biggest needs for a defense is a linebacker who can consistently find the ball and finish plays. Schlimgen is one of them. He showed his ability throughout the first half of the season, leading his team in tackles of 56 total tackles. His production shows how involved he has been in Iowa State's defensive efforts.

Schlimgen has shown that his impact goes beyond stopping the ball carriers after they gained yards. His three tackles for loss show what he can do to disrupt offensive plays before the ball is snapped—adding a sack to his season totals also shows that he can contribute when Iowa State needs pressure on the opposing quarterback.

For the Cyclones, having a linebacker who can stop the run and get to the quarterback is a valuable player. Schlimgen's tackling production gives the defense a player that it can depend on to make stops, while his ability to get into the backfield provides another way to challenge opposing offenses. 

Besides his production, the second half the season presents another opportunity for Schlimgen to take his game to another level. Iowa State needs its defense to limit explosive plays, while improving consistency and making important game-changing plays. 

Schlimgen can achieve those goals by continuing what he's been doing all season: recognizing plays quickly and maintaining his presence against the run and pass. Creating more negative plays could also make him an even bigger factor in the Cyclones' defensive success.

The key will be turning individual production into better defensive results for the entire team.

Schlimgen earns a B for his performance in the first half of the season. His stats - 56 tackles and a sack - provide a solid statistical foundation for his grade. He established himself as a productive linebacker, and his involvement gives Iowa State a defensive player to build around. 

However, there is still room for improvement. If Schlimgen continues producing tackles while creating more disruption behind the line of scrimmage and finishes the season on a stronger note, the potential for a strong back half of the season is there. 

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