The Iowa State Cyclones had a chance to get to the Big 12 Conference Championship at the end of last year but could not make it happen in overtime verses Kansas during their last game of the season. Disappointing for the Cyclones and for head coach Dan McCarney, but they are looking to improve on their seven win season of 2005 and only 4 starters returning.
This will be tough because most of the guys coming back have had very little action on the field. The fresh talent brought in this year is anticipated to make an impact in the front seven. The secondary has only one player coming back but the offense is returning 10 from last year and they are going to need to put up lots of points this year in order to make a Bowl week appearance.
Returning for his junior year is quarterback Brett Meyer and running back Stevie Hicks is returning for his senior performance and he must stay healthy for the Iowa State Cyclones to have a chance. The wide receiving unit has several players that are not known, including Austin Flynn, Todd Blythe and a solid tight end Ben Barkema. All of which are great players. Ryan Kock is set to come into the game in goal line situations.
The offensive line is the best the program has had in a long time. They should be able to pass the average of 28 PPG they set last year. Even though the stop unit lost seven important players this year there shouldn't be a drop in stats. The offense is great and will keep them in the game for many of the tough matchups. The schedule is tough, but another Bowl appearance is very possible.
