Big 12 North Preview - Iowa State Cyclones

Obviously, the big news up in Ames, Iowa this year is the fact that they’ve got a new coach walking the sidelines. Former defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns Gene Chizik will no doubt at least change the mentality that has hung like a mediocre cloud over Ames for the past 12 years. Dan McCarney did a lot of great things with a program that is supposed to play second fiddle to instate rival and Big 10 power Iowa Hawkeyes, but just never broke out and made a lot of noise. From where Chizik is coming from he’ll be ready to change the minds of Iowans and Midwest college football fans in the near future. Previous to his two year tour of duty with the Horns that produced a National Championship under head coach Mack Brown, Chizik was a defensive coordinator in the SEC for the Auburn Tigers for three seasons. Chizik will no doubt bring a winning attitude to his first go round in the head coaching role.

Senior QB Brett Meyer and senior WR Todd Blythe will make their presence felt throughout their swan song as Cyclones this year, just don’t expect too much from anyone else. Their offensive line is completely decimated with the departure of four graduating senior starters from 2006 and their prominent running threat in Stevie Hicks. The defense may not fair much better with six players exiting after last year, and that includes all-Big 12 defensive tackle Brent Curvey.

On the recruiting front, Chizim obviously wasn’t able to accomplish much only taking the job a few months ago. If the Cyclones can score an upset against the Hawkeye’s like they did on their home turf in 2005 and win a conference game or two at home, they’ll likely have something to build on for 2008 and 2009. Just don’t expect too much in 2007.

2006 Overall record: 4-8
2006 Conference record: 1-7 (6^th Big 12 North)
Offensive returning starters: 5
Defensive returning starters: 5

Offense: C-
Defense: C-
Special Teams: B-
Overall: C

2007 Prediction: 4-8 Overall, (2-6) Big 12
2007 Big 12 North Ranking: 6th

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