Oct 27, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) throws a pass against the Texas Tech Red Raiders Jack Trice Stadium. Photo Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
LOCATION: Ames, Iowa
COACH: Matt Campbell — At Iowa State: 19-19, 3 years; overall: 54-34, 8 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Tom Manning
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jon Heacock
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 1912, Missouri Valley co-champions
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2017
RETURNING STARTERS: 15; 6 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Brock Purdy, RB Kene Nwangwu, TE Charlie Kolar, OL Julian Good-Jones, DE JaQuan Bailey, DT Ray Lima, LB Marcel Spears Jr., LB Mike Rose, CB Anthony Johnson, S Greg Eisworth
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: Purdy is capable of turning broken plays into big gains and possesses uncommon poise for his youth. Coaches are seeking to draw up more designed runs for him. The offense and defensive lines are among the best in the Big 12.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: The Cyclones must adopt an all hands-on-deck approach to make up for the loss of star RB David Montgomery and WR Hakeem Butler. There are talented, but unproven, players in their wake. The loss of top cover corner Brian Peavy will be deeply felt early in the season.
OVERVIEW
A 24-10 loss at Texas doomed the Cyclones’ modest regular-season title hopes a year ago. Expectations are higher this time around, despite the loss of playmakers David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler. The Cyclones have established a winning culture under coach Matt Campbell. Depth continues to build, both lines are strong, the defense has proven playmakers… and there’s a rising star at quarterback.
TOP NEWCOMER
RB Breece Hall: The Wichita, Kan., native chose Iowa State over Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan and Nebraska, among others. Hall (6-1, 215) went through spring practice, showing a blend of speed, strength and durability. The four-star freshman likely will push more experienced backs for playing time this fall.
