Coach Paul Rhoads said an everyday fan might not be able to distinctly recognize the implemented changes in the new offense this season.

However, Rhoads said some changes have been made under new offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham.

“The biggest question I have been asked about Courtney running our offense is: Are we going to be different?” Rhoads said. “[And] yeah, there’s going to be differences. … There are differences, and I want to see those executed as we take the field.”

With minor changes in the offense in place, players have learned some of those details from Messingham — expectations and play-calling — and how to adjust to them.

Senior wide receiver Josh Lenz said the same expectations are still enforced.

“We have the same expectations,” Lenz said. “We’re running a pretty similar offense that we had [last year]. We want to put points on the board.”

Lenz said putting points on the board is critical in order to keep up and compete with teams in the Big 12. And with the slightly tweaked offense in place, the Cyclones hope to do just that.

Throughout training camp and into the final weeks of preparation before this weekend’s game against Tulsa, quarterback Steele Jantz has talked about playing smart, mental football time and time again.

“There’s a few expectations; one of them is to be a smart offense, no forced penalties [and] don’t turn over the ball,” Jantz said.

Jantz said the team has been trying to embrace the idea of being smart on the field, adding the offense expects to be explosive.

Another change to the offense comes within the depth chart. Last season, Jerome Tiller was listed as a quarterback. This year, Tiller is listed under the wide receiver position.

Jantz said having Tiller in the wide receiver position is a great addition.

“One thing about Jerome is as a former quarterback, he understands the offense,” Jantz said. “So as a receiver, the little things a receiver might not know, he knows. He knows and understands the defense really well.”

Jantz will lead the Cyclone offense on the field Saturday against Tulsa. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Jack Trice Stadium.