A bowl game, a winning season – even winning four games is being doubted by an array of media outlets.

The Texas A&M newspaper, The Battalion, said Cyclone fans should start thinking about basketball season. Sporting News, Athlon, and Lindy’s college football previews all picked Iowa State to finish last in the Big 12 North.

Lindy’s was blatantly critical of the team’s talent, naming the Cyclones’ running backs, offensive line, defensive line and secondary groups as the worst in the conference.

Senior linebacker Alvin Bowen was named as the pre-season defensive player of the year by Lindy’s, going along with first-team All-Big 12 honors from Sporting News and Athlon.

Here is what they’re saying.

Sporting News

Projection: Sixth in the North, 3-9 overall.

“No miracles are expected from Chizik this season. Then again, no one is sure what to expect from the boy wonder.”

“Expect a high-flying offense under coordinator Robert McFarland, whose 2002 UCF team threw for nearly 4,000 yards.”

“Chizik used to study under Tampa Bay’s Monte Kiffin, so watch for some cover 2.”

Lindy’s

Projection: Sixth in the Big 12 North.

“If there’s one thing to get excited about with Iowa State’s defense, it’s that it can only get better.”

“[Blythe] can be a dominant force when given the chance, which he will be in the Cyclones’ new spread offense.”

“The start and the finish aren’t too bad; it’s the middle that could cripple the Cyclones.”

“Gene Chizik Era could open rockier than the end to Dan McCarney’s tenure.”

Athlon

Projection: Sixth in the North, 3-9 overall

“Unless the wideouts lining up alongside him prove themselves, teams will continue focusing their coverage on Blythe.”

“[Blythe]’s been Meyer’s go-to guy and will be playing on Sundays next fall.”

About Bowen: “Future pro doesn’t just tackle ball-carriers; he usually punishes them.”

About Culbertson: “His only misses seem to come when it counts most, unfortunately.”

Cbs.sportsline.com

Projection: Sixth in the Big 12 North

“Lackluster recruiting class. Little buzz. A lot of folks thought Gene Chizik chose the wrong program to kick off his head-coaching career.”

USA Today

“Frankly, Chizik may want to keep his options open as long as he can.”

“Chizik will need additional time to stockpile the talent necessary to win consistently in the Big 12, and must do so at what could be the toughest program to recruit to in the conference.”