The Iowa State Cyclones had high hopes heading into the 2013 season. After a successful season that ended with a bid to play in the Liberty Bowl in 2012, Paul Rhoads had the program riding high in confidence as they seemed to carry momentum forward. Unfortunately the success was short lived as they dropped two of their first three games before hosting Texas in week four.
Case McCoy and Texas played a very porous first half. However, in a play that some consider a turning point for Texas,
as the first half expired. That play likely kept Case McCoy in the ball game and allowed Texas to remain close enough to eventually win on a quarterback sneak with little time remaining in the game.
Iowa State’s loss to Texas has been referred to by coach Paul Rhoads as a turning point in the Cyclones’ season. Following the defeat, ISU dropped six consecutive games before beating Kansas and West Virginia (triple overtime win) in their final two games.
The aftermath of the 3-9 season was a hole in the offensive coordinator position that would eventually be filled by former Oklahoma offensive coordinator and Kansas head coach, Mark Mangino. Conversely, Coach Rhoads decided to retain defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, despite having one of the worst defenses (statistically) in the nation last season.
Iowa State hopes to improve on their disappointing 2013 season, but the Cyclones will have to play significantly more consistent on both sides of the ball to do so. Bobby La Gesse, the Sports Editor of the Ames Tribune, was kind enough to lend his time and expertise to assist HornSports in breaking down the upcoming football season.
OFFENSE
With the addition of Mangino as coordinator, there are high hopes for an unit that returns 11 starters from last year. Last season, Iowa State’s offense ranked 89th in the nation at 24.8 points per game and 96th in total offense with 363 yards per game.
The Cyclones featured a single back, three receiver set and that will likely remain with Mangino in charge. The main difference in offensive scheme, according to La Gesse, will be the focus of the offense’s playcalling. Whereas Rhoads featured a run-first mentality over the past five years, Mangino’s history shows a proclivity for the passing game. As an offensive playcaller, Mangino relies on the arm of his quarterback in order to find success.
While ISU returns two players with starting experience, Mangino will likely stick with the quarterback who is most consistent moving the chains and limiting turnovers.
, junior Sam Richardson and redshirt freshman Joel Lanning, but look for Rohach to win the job. He took control of the starting job late last season and no one passed him in spring practice.”
The offense is anchored by a strong offensive line, led by preseason All-Big 12 first team and member of the 2014 Remington Award watch list, Tom Farniok (6-4, 300). The key to the offense, however, may lie in the hands of senior TE, EJ Bibbs. As a preseason All-Big 12 pick by the coaches, Bibbs “is a legitimate threat in the passing game. He can catch the underneath passes that move the chains and stretch the field.” In a Mangino offense that likes to throw the ball and spread the attack, Bibbs is likely to flourish.
The skill positions also feature plenty of talent, including Quenton Bundrage (
) and senior RB
(5-9, 174). La Gesse believes that Bundrage has the potential to be an All-Big 12 receiver if he cuts down on mistakes, “Mangino will be sure to call plays to take advantage of Bundrage’s speed and playmaking ability.” In regards to Wimberly, Le Gesse believes “he can be a dynamic runner and a factor in the passing game. But at 5-foot-9, 174-pounds, he’s not built to take a lot of punishment.” Wimberly being a 1,000 yard rusher isn’t out of the question, as long as he isn’t overused.
Other potential threats to keep an eye on are two 6′ 5″ receivers that are in their first year of the program: senior transfer (South Florida)
and freshman high school All-American
. While La Gesse feels that Montgomery has the perfect size as a red-zone target, Lazard might just be the one starting on opening day. “At 6-foot-5, 215-pounds, Lazard is big enough to play from day one. ISU coaches expect him to contribute this fall. If things come together for him quickly he could be starting by the opener.” For a in-depth look look at Allen Lazard, read La Gesse’s close-up on ISU’s potential star wideout.
DEFENSE
While the offense has potential to improve, the defense has almost no choice other than being better than it was last season. In 2013, the Cyclone defense was, statistically, one of the worst teams not only in the Big 12, but also in the country.
The good news for ISU is that Cory Morrissey, a senior all-conference end, returns as does sophomore LB Nigel Tribune who, according to La Gesse, will lead the defense. But Iowa State has other newcomers who are expected to make an impact, “The Cyclones are turning to a slew of junior college transfers to help improve the defense. Safety Qujuan Floyd should start from day one. Middle linebacker Jordan Harris must contribute at linebacker.”
Another player La Gesse says to keep an eye on is sophomore LB Luke Knotts (the younger brother of former Iowa State standout, Jake Knotts). If Knotts lives up to the potential of his last name, the Cyclones will be set at that LB spot for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately for ISU, the defense lost its two best tackles – both were dismissed in the spring. The tackle position will be an area of weakness that can be exposed if youth at the position doesn’t mature quickly.
IOWA STATE WILL HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…
The first thing that has to be done is to define what a successful season is, and according to La Gesse, the expectations aren’t very high. “I look at ISU and see a three-win team as camp opens up. The offense looks poised to take a step forward, but there are a lot of questions on a defense that struggled a year ago. A reasonable expectation is for ISU to try to top the three-win mark from a year ago.”
If four or more wins is considered successful, then the best route to that success is to see basic, incremental improvements on both offense and defense. The addition of Mangino on offense and the infusion of junior college talent on defense are the two things that help Cyclone fans be optimistic.
If Mangino is able to implement his offensive system and find a quarterback that can play with a low turnover-to-touchdown ratio, ISU should be able to outscore North Dakota State, Toledo, and Kansas. Beyond those three teams, the Cyclones will need an upset against West Virginia or Oklahoma State, or a surprise against in-state rival Iowa. However, if the defense continues to slide, the offense will have a difficult time keeping pace against even bottom tier teams.
THE KEY TO THE TEXAS GAME WILL BE…
Turnovers. If Texas can play its game and avoid costly turnovers, there shouldn’t be a question as to whether or not the Horns win. The Longhorns will most likely have an offense that matches up well against Iowa State’s defense – Malcolm Brown and the Texas ground game will be called on to attack the inexperienced defensive front of the Cyclones. Avoiding penalties, injuries, and turnovers will most likely provide a relatively easy home win for the Longhorns.
Considering the ISU game falls between two of the season’s toughest match ups (Oklahoma and Kansas State), Texas must also avoid an emotional let down.
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