The ISU football team has been picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 Conference in the 2012 Big 12 Football Pre-season Poll, which is voted on by media representatives.

Only two teams, Texas Tech and Kansas, were selected to finish below the Cyclones. Last season Iowa State was picked to finish ninth in the Big 12 Conference and finished the season 6-7, good for eighth in the Big 12. 

This year’s eighth-place preseason ranking is the highest for the Cyclones since 2006, when they were selected to finish second in the Big 12 North. The Cyclones were picked to finish second in the North in 2005, as well. 

Oklahoma has been selected to win its eighth Big 12 championship, and conference newcomers West Virginia and Texas Christian were picked to finish second and fifth, respectively.

Iowa State will open its season against Tulsa, Sept. 1 at Jack Trice Stadium. During the 2012 season, the Cyclones will host seven home games.