A year ago, expectations for the ISU football team were obviously low, as it seemed the Cyclones were starting a rebuilding phase.

Entering the 2010 season, expectations are considerably higher than they were last season. However, it is only May and the team is already facing its first hardship.

Junior right tackle, Scott Haughton, was dismissed Wednesday, for violating team rules.

Haughton started 17 straight games for the Cyclones, and it was part of an offensive line, which helped the Cyclones finish third in the Big 12 in rushing and win the team’s first bowl game since 2004.

The team’s offensive line was also instrumental in the success of senior running back Alexander Robinson, senior in management, who finished second in the conference in rushing with 1,195 yards.

With Haughton’s dismissal, the Cyclones will need to fill a gap on their offensive line before next season.

That task may prove difficult as next season’s offensive line will be made up of a very inexperienced core group of players.

Iowa State will return only four players with major playing experience, while a handful of players have seen limited action in their careers.

Neither the football team nor the ISU Athletic Department commented any further on Haughton’s dismissal.