MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Iowa State’s defense will face the tough task of slowing down one of the top offenses in the nation without two starters.

Iowa State spokesperson Mike Green said defensive back Evrett Edwards and safety Kamari Cotton-Moya won't play in today's Liberty Bowl.

Green said Edwards is ineligible for the game while Cotton-Moya was suspended for a violation of team rules.

It’s a blow to the defense, which is facing a Memphis offense that ranks second in the nation in scoring, averaging 47.7 points per game.

Cotton-Moya, a redshirt senior captain for the Cyclones, was in his fourth season of starting. He tallied 60 total tackles and three interceptions this season.

Edwards, a redshirt senior, graduated from Duke before transferring to Iowa State for his last two season. He started nine game this season and tallied 51 total tackles.