The first drive of Iowa State’s 2013 season ended in a missed field goal. University of Northern Iowa, its opponent that game, scored a touchdown on its first drive. Then its next drive. Then its next drive. 

Only eight minutes into the second quarter, Iowa State trailed Football Championship Subdivision Northern Iowa 21-7 before ultimately falling 28-20. Starting games slow became a trend, getting outscored 223-123 in the first half of games. 

“You’ve just got to be ready coming out on the field,” said quarterback Sam Richardson. “You can’t take for granted any time you get the football. This year, a more important part of our offense is starting fast.”

Although Richardson didn’t reveal any specific plans for the start of games, the offense will likely benefit from the hiring of offensive coordinator Mark Mangino, and not just because of his history of success. With a new playbook and a healthy offense for the first time in more than a year, North Dakota State’s game film of Iowa State is limited.

“It’s difficult because we don’t know exactly what we are going to see,” said NDSU coach Chris Klieman of Mangino’s offense. “I know this: He’s had tremendous offenses wherever he’s gone … so we’ll have our hands full trying to slow them down.”

Klieman specifically noted the mismatch that ISU tight end E.J. Bibbs creates against defenses. The 6-foot-3-inch, 264-pound senior has been hauling in preseason accolades left and right after a breakout season last year that included 39 catches for 462 yards, both second best on the team.

Bibbs will receive extra attention from the defense and will likely open up the field for a group of receivers that ISU head coach Paul Rhoads has called the most talented and deepest position on the team.

But only a year removed from the loss to Northern Iowa, the team isn’t looking past a championship-winning program at North Dakota State. From players to coaches to fans, no one in Cyclone country has penciled in a “W” on his or her schedule like many teams expect to do against FCS competition.

However, the playbook, injuries and mistakes made last season are but a memory in players’ minds. Now, it is being used as motivation to not only start the game fast but the season as well.

“[The Northern Iowa game] was kind of a shock to everyone’s system,” said center Tom Farniok. “It motivates us to not let that happen again. You either set the tone for a winning season or losing season.”