(Big 12) ISU Cyclones
The Cyclones are rarely a threat in the B12 and 2014 looks no different. What they are is a hard nosed physical football team that always plays with max effort. This year with some changes to the coaching staff they are hoping to the offense.
ISU
- Iowa State Cyclone
- Coach: Paul Rhoads
- 2013 Record: 3-9
- Gambling Odds to win 2014 Championship: 1500/1
- Gambling Odds to win (B12) Conference: 100/1
A few more points on offense and a few less on defense could mean this team flirts with being bowl eligible this season. Their schedule is not going to make very easy.
Strengths
This is not the best offensive line in the league but most coaches would be very pleased to have 5 returning starters on the offensive line. Thrown in a senior running back and there is good reason to think the Cyclones can be more prolific in the ground game.
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While other league teams are speeding up they are content to slow things down a little.
The Cyclones have a promising mix at the receiver position. Quenton Bundrage is fast enough to run past any defense and transfer D’Vario Montgomery presents a physical matchup thanks to his 6’5″ frame.
His ability to go get it will take a lot of pressue of of first time QB Grant Rohach.
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Placekicker Cole Netten is nearly automatic, missing just one attempt from inside the 41 yard line last season. He may not have a booming leg but that kind of success means that when drives stall closer to the goal line the Cyclones can still put points on the board.
Its better than coming away empty.
Weaknesses
The defense was not very good last season and only 4 starters return. The Cyclones got pushed around up front with one of the worst run defenses in the nation. They lack the bulk and athleticism to hold up at the point of attack.
There is only one linemen returning with starting experience.
QB Grant Rohach is the projected starters but he is just a sophomore with little experience. With Mark Mangino in the fold as offensive coordinator they are expecting big improvements but if they can not get the production they need from that position any plans for improvement will fall way short.
The schedule is pretty daunting this season. With 9 conference games they get only three non-conference which are filled with Toledo, at Iowa and a visit from North Dakota State, an FCS program that is more than capable of beating a team like Iowa State.
There are not going to be a lot of opportunities to improve on last year’s 3 wins.
ISU Gambling Prediction: 2-10
2014 Iowa St. Schedule:
- Aug 30 – North Dakota State
- Sep 6 – Kansas State
- Sep 13 – @Iowa
- Sep 27 – Baylor
- Oct 4 – @Oklahoma State
- Oct 11 – Toledo
- Oct 18 – @Texas
- Nov 1 – Oklahoma
- Nov 8 – @Kansas
- Nov 22 – Texas Tech
- Nov 29 – West Virginia
- Dec 6 – @TCU
The Kansas Jayhawks are going to make sure the Cyclones have some company at the bottom of the B12 standings. At this point It is hard to tell what the Cyclones might do well (relative) so it is hard to predict which matchups might be favourable.
One spot I am eyeballing is when they host Toledo. The Rockets are good and might the the favourite as the Cyclones are likely to be coming off some contests where they are getting beaten badly.
I wouldn’t expect this one to be a shocker but ISU could be a nice home dog opportunity.
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