America’s View: National publications discuss Iowa State’s upcoming season

Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook

“[Coach Dan] McCarney knows the offense has to carry his team, at least in the first half of the season, because the defense lost six starters. It might take a while for so many new starters to get into the flow.” – via ESPN.com

Sports Illustrated

“The schedule – nine bowl teams, including defending national champion Texas – is awfully daunting with its annual rivalry game against Iowa and another non-conference toughie in MAC power Toledo.”

Collegefootballnews.com

“One of these days, all the breaks will go the right way and McCarney’s team will be on the big stage. This season’s crew just might be good enough to make its own breaks and get the job done.”

Sportsbook.com

What are the odds?

300-to-1 that the Cyclones will win the Bowl Championship Series National Championship.

Where Iowa State ranks nationally

Sports Illustrated: No. 31

CBS SportsLine: No. 40

Collegefootballnews.com: No. 33

The Sporting News: No. 26

Touchdown Trivia

How much do you know about the Cyclones football opponents this season?

___ 1. Now coached by former Boise State coach Dan Hawkins. He’ll be missing the blue turf in no time.

___ 2. Made it to the championship game of NCAA Division I-AA football last year.

___ 3. Home stadium is called the Glass Bowl.

___ 4. Has players named Yamon Figurs, Vlad Faustin and Rimmon McNeese on its roster.

___ 5. You couldn’t miss its coach, Mark Mangino, from a mile away. He’s . loud.

___ 6. So confident about its chances, this team features punter Daniel Sepulveda on its media guide.

___ 7. Last year’s national champion.

___ 8. Drew Tate . who?

___ 9. This school’s mascot, Hey Reb, has competed for the Capital One National Mascot of the Year award.

___ 10. Has players named Xzavie Jackson, Hardy Ricks, and Forrest Shock on its roster.

___ 11. Considered one of the top five teams in the nation this season by USA Today’s preseason rankings.

___ 12. These Red Raiders haven’t visited Ames since 2002.

Answers: 1. D 2. B 3. G 4. A 5. E 6. C 7. H 8. F 9. I 10. L 11. K 12. J