Paul Rhoads made headlines for his post game speech after an emotional win at Nebraska for the first time since 1977. The second year Iowa State head coach has built a little momentum in Ames following a 7-6 season that was capped off with their first bowl win since 2004. Cyclone fans are glad to have "one of their own" calling the shots after Gene Chizik left the school high and dry for Auburn. Odds are +1200 for Iowa State winning the Big 12 North division. View the full conference breakdown in our 2010 Big 12 college football predictions article.
Iowa State's offense was built on the run last season averaging 180 yards on the ground compared to just 185 yards through the air. A balanced attack can always be effective, but the passing numbers must increase in 2010 if the Clones want to make some noise. QB Austen Arnaud had his fair share of highlights last season, but also went through quite a few disappointments. While the win over Nebraska was huge for the team, Arnaud was not a part of it and watched backup Jerome Tiller lead the way. After reclaiming his starting spot, AA contributed over 2500 yards of total offense and 22 touchdowns. 13 interceptions were a few too many. Alexander Robinson, better known as A-Rob, has been a rock in the ISU backfield for the past two years. He has cemented his status as one of the best backs in the Big 12 following a near 1200 yard season rushing. His nine total tds were second on the team and he is versatile enough to be a factor in the passing game also. State might be missing a legitimate number one target at receiver, but Jake Williams and Darius Danks have enough experience to settle into that role. The two combined for 64 catches and over 700 yards a season ago. Coaches believed the offensive line was a major reason why the Cyclones won seven games last year. LT Kelechi Osemele is an All Big 12 performer that will anchor a unit that allowed just 16 sacks in 2009.
The defensive side of the ball has some major question marks that need to be answered. Who will take the place of LB Jesse Smith's leadership and also 135 tackles? Will safety David Sims get out of the doghouse after using an unauthorized credit card to make a small purchase? No linebacker on this squad is going to even scratch the surface of the type of production Smith showed on a weekly basis. They have two sophomores projected as starters and junior college transfer Matt Tau-fo-ou has had his run-ins with the law also. David Sims was the top returning tackler and had a team high five interceptions. He is currently suspended for the season opener against Northern Illinois pending review of his case. They will need all hands on deck in the second game at rival Iowa. DE Rashawn Parker will be a welcome addition back to the team after missing all but four games of his junior season due to a leg injury. His speed rush is something that the Clones were missing last year while totaling only 16 sacks as a team. Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham plans to install a 4-2-5 defense that will put less pressure on the inexperienced linebacker core.
Iowa State's schedule is ranked the toughest in the country for good reason. Not only do they face a preseason top ten team (Iowa) and one lurking just outside the top 25 (Utah) in their non conference slate, but the middle of October is a joke for the Cyclones. It doesn't get much harder than heading to Oklahoma and Texas on two consecutive Saturdays. To reach a bowl game ISU will have to get 7 wins as one of their opponents is Division 1-A Northern Iowa. I think they take a step back this season with a respectable 5 wins.
