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