IOWA STATE CYCLONES O:10 D:4
The Cyclones had their first ever trip to the Big 12 Championship in their grasp at the end of last season, but let it slip away in OT vs. Kansas in their regular season finale. It was painful to watch, and probably even more painful for HC Dan McCarney to stomach. The Cyclones made positive strides a season ago, and look to build upon their seven win campaign. It will be hard though as the squad only returns four starters on defense, and most of the guys stepping in have seen little or no action overall. The front seven looks to be in good shape though as the talent brought in for this season was highly touted and there is experience on hand. Conversely, the secondary has only one player returning with any starting experience so it’s a good thing the Cyclones return 10 from last year’s potent offense. They’re going to need to put up tons of points this year to go bowling for a third straight season. QB Brett Meyer is back for his junior campaign as well as SR RB Stevie Hicks who has to remain healthy for the first time in his career for this unit to fire on all cylinders. The WR corps boasts a number of stud’s you’ve never heard of (Austin Flynn, Todd Blythe) and a solid TE (Ben Barkema). It also has a kid by the name of Ryan Kock who comes into the game in goal line situations. He had 13 TDs last season!!! The O-Line looks to be the best the program’s had in years as well. The Cyclones should easily surpass the 28 PPG they averaged a year ago provided they stay relatively healthy.
Even with the meltdown in Lawrence, KS to close out the year, the Cyclones almost picked up its first bowl win since 2000 vs. TCU. HC McCarney knows how to coach this game, and how to motivate his men to get the best out of them. Even though the stop unit lost seven impact players from a year ago, don’t expect a dramatic drop in its statistics. The offense will be potent, and should keep them in a number of games vs. stiffer competition. Their schedule is much harder this year, as they have to take on the top dogs in the South instead of the cellar dwellers. That being said, another bowl trip is certainly in the cards and don’t be surprised if they shock one of the premiere programs along the way. |
