AMES, Iowa (AP) – Dale Pierson goes by SACKMAMBA45 on Twitter, and he showed why in Iowa State’s season opener. The senior had three sacks and an interception in the Cyclones’ 31-7 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday. Pierson will face a better offensive line when Iowa visits next Saturday, but his effort and the talent on the rest of the defensive line have fueled hopes that this unit could be one of the best in coach Paul Rhoads’ tenure.

Pierson decided on his Twitter handle after announcing that he would sign with Iowa State and learning that a Cyclone fan had posted that the team just picked up a sack mamba.