Iowa State should win the Big 12 Conference’s North division and will start out the season No. 22 in the national polls, according to The Sporting News in a release of its college football picks Wednesday.

Head coach Dan McCarney was elated about the pick but warned fans to take the pick with a grain of salt.

“That and 50 cents will get you a cup of coffee,” McCarney said.

“It’s good for ISU football and Iowa State University. It recognizes our strong finish last season and makes it exciting for next season. But, we have a long way to go and a lot of work to do.”

The Cyclones, along with Colorado, are the defending co-champions of the North division after losing to the Buffaloes in overtime 17-14 in the final game of the regular season. They finished the season at 7-5 and defeated Miami University in the Independence Bowl in their fourth bowl appearance in five years.

In addition, the magazine has sophomore wide receiver Todd Blythe rated as the 11th-best receiver nationally and offensive lineman Aaron Brant as the 18th-best tackle.

“Any type of recognition for Blythe is tremendous,” McCarney said.

“He set the record for touchdowns by a freshman last season and had Big 12 honors.”

McCarney wasn’t sure how The Sporting News was able to rank a tackle, but was happy nonetheless.

“Brant’s in his third year as a starter and he’s made excellent progress,” he said. “His best years are in front of him and he will be solid the next couple years for us.”

“Hopefully, fans will be excited to buy tickets and watch us on TV.”

McCarney, who was named Big 12 Coach of the Year by the other coaches in the conference last year, will be in his 11th year at the Cyclones’ helm.