After watching the annual Iowa State football spring game, I noticed several differences from last season’s squad — most notably, the quarterback situation.

Over the past few years, the quarterback position was pretty much determined at this point with Todd Doxzon and Todd Bandhauer piloting the team. However, this off-season will be characterized by a quarterback controversy involving Sage Rosenfels and Derrick Walker.

Rosenfels resembles Bandhauer because he is a classic “pocket passer.” Rosenfels seems to have a little more athleticism than Bandy and has shown the ability to roll out and throw on the run.

Walker is comparable to Doxzon, as he seems to throw better on the move and is more likely to run if his first receiver is covered. Walker’s speed and agility have prompted head coach Dan McCarney to flirt with running the option.

If the Cyclones do choose to run the option, it would definitely help the running game. ISU has two quality running backs in Darren Davis and the much-improved Ennis Haywood.

Davis is a game breaker with breathtaking moves that resemble the Tasmanian devil, while Haywood is a north and south back who is rarely stopped behind the line of scrimmage.

After both running backs had an impressive spring game, McCarney threw out the idea of running a split backfield. That way, Davis and Haywood could be in the game at the same time and provide a threat to bounce a run outside with Davis or play smash-mouth football up the middle with Haywood.

These two positions are what separate this season’s team from years past. The Cyclones desperately needed depth at the skill positions, and it never hurts to have a little competition for the starting role. By competing against one another, it pushes the players to become better and will ultimately benefit the team.

McCarney does have the correct philosophy by trying to establish a running game early to set up the pass. By hammering out long drives on the ground, the Cyclones can control the clock and tempo of the game. All too often ISU fell behind early and had to rely on the arm of Bandhauer last season.

The Cyclones will also be joined by a third Davis brother this fall. Jason Davis could provide a breather for Haywood or Darren Davis and give the offense an added dimension. If Jason Davis can show the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, he could split time with J.J. Moses on third down.

If ISU is going to be successful this fall, it has to improve on defense. In recent years, opponents have run all over them, especially when using the option. Stopping the option is definitely a tall order, and the Cyclones just need to concentrate on slowing it down.

Last season it was not unusual for the opponents to gain seven or eight yards on first down to set up second and short. The Cyclones did stop the option up front with Reggie Hayward drilling the quarterback and forcing him to get rid of the ball.

However, the pitchman would usually get four or five yards before he was even touched and then fight for a few more before finally being tackled.

One reason for this — the corner backs are instructed to give the receivers about a 10-12 yard cushion. By the time they recognize it is a running play and shed their blocker, the running back has already made a quality gain.

Perhaps a solution to this problem is to play bump-and-run on first down or in running situations.

This would allow the corners to see into the backfield easier and also be closer to the line of scrimmage.

A down side to playing this aggressive defense is the vulnerability to the long pass. However, the defensive backs have always been suspect to the big play, and ISU needs to start taking some gambles.

McCarney is optimistic about the upcoming season as usual, but a realistic goal would be to play .500 ball.

I think a bowl game is out of the question until ISU proves it can consistently compete with the remainder of the conference.

If McCarney sticks with a system and recruits players who fit the roles, the Cyclones should be able to turn their football program around.

Coach Mac is a very personable guy and should begin to tap into the in-state talent with the Hawkeyes on the decline.

On an unrelated topic, this is the end of the school year, and I have to pull a page from Chad Calek’s book by saying “hi” to my fianc‚e. I love you, Hollee.

To everyone else: Enjoy your summer, and I’ll see you next fall.

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Eric Taylor is a junior in mechanical engineering from Elysian, Minn.