Three-headed Monster

With returning leading rusher Alexander Robinson and new additions Bo Williams and Jeremiah Schwartz making up the Cyclone backfield, look for the running game to be vastly improved. Each player brings a unique style to the team. Robinson’s experience and lightning-quick feet, Williams’ prized-recruit name tag to go along with a powerful downhill game, and Schwartz’ bone-crushing between-the-tackles pace should give the Cyclone defenses a tough outing.

Seeing Double

Both Austen Arnaud and Jerome Tiller possess immense skill and a will to lead the offense. Arnaud, who threw for 2,792 yards— including a Cyclone record 440 against Kansas State — and 15 touchdowns, brings back experience and poise to a team in need of a general to guide the new offensive system. Tiller, the highly-touted recruit out of San Antonio, Texas, red-shirted his initial season but looks to show how dangerous he is with both his arm and his feet.

DE-FENSE!!

With one of the most respected defensive coordinators at the helm in Wally Burnham, watch for the Cyclones to come out with more speed, schemes, and an overall smash-mouth style to disrupt the opposing quarterback. The Cyclones return 12 players who started in at least one game last season.

Tight end Tango

Last season, the Cyclones rarely used the tight end position when it came to moving the football. That style of play is long gone as offensive coordinator Tom Herman’s new offense utilizes wide outs as well as tight end sets. The Cyclones bring back two solid ones in Collin Franklin and Derrick Catlett. Franklin uses his 6’6” frame to his advantage, grabbing 15 balls for 258 yards and two touchdowns last season. Catlett’s ability to find pockets in the defense enabled him to collect 20 catches for 230 yards last year.

Roaming Rhoads

Paul Rhoads doesn’t think he will be standing on the sideline simply watching the game. The first-year head coach says he plans on roaming around the entire field, searching for tiny details to make his football team better. His goal for the game is to view the strides the team has made thus far, and he will go to many lengths in order to get the right view. “I might even end up right behind the offense next to an official at some point,” Rhoads said.