“We have to establish the running game and try to utilize all the talent we have,” head football coach Dan McCarney said.

This season, the emphasis for the Cyclones’ offense is on improving the running game, McCarney said.

Even with a returning 1,000-yard rusher in Darren Davis, McCarney still sees improvement in the running game as essential for the team’s success.

“Our running game must be improved and, at the same time, we must be more efficient in the passing game,” McCarney said.

Strong offensive line play will be key if the Cyclones want to run the ball more successfully, McCarney said.

“We made it [offensive line play] a major point of camp this summer,” McCarney said. “The offensive line is such a unique group of kids this year, because most of them have three to four years of eligibility left. It’s going to be real interesting with all the competition at this position.”

Linemen agree that improvement must be made.

“Playing on the line is all about coming off the ball and blowing them [the opponents] away,” said junior tackle Bill Marsau. “So far, expectations have been exceeded, but we still have a ways to go.”

“On every snap of the ball, the offensive linemen have a bond,” said lineman Ryan Gerke, a junior college transfer from Blinn Junior College. “I’ve been talking to the veterans who have been here and listening to their words of wisdom. Once we start adapting to the competition, we’ll be fine.”

Helping McCarney’s quest for offensive success will be two new offensive coaches.

Pete Hoener takes over as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, coming to Iowa State from Texas Christian University.

Former Kansas State assistant Nick Quartaro will take over as assistant head coach, as well as wide receivers and special teams coach.

In addition, Mike Woodley moves to the offensive side of the ball to coach the tight ends after three years of coaching the linebackers.

Still, it will be up to the players to respond to their coaches and play at a higher level this season.

“Last year we were forced to pass a lot because DD (Darren Davis) was hurt and we were behind a lot,” senior quarterback Todd Bandhauer said. “I always put pressure on myself to improve and this year, there’s no excuses.”

“We want to exceed the level of play as individuals and as a team,” sophomore receiver Chris Anthony said.

Anthony is one of an extremely competitive group of receivers that must step up to replace the departed starting duo of Ty Watley and Ed Williams.

McCarney has addressed this need through recruiting and is determined to find the best athletes.

“This year, we have the best group of athletes at the wide receiver and defensive back positions since I’ve been here,” McCarney said. “The competition at both positions is great.”

According to Anthony, it doesn’t matter who starts, just as long as the team wins.

“No matter who starts, it will be the best people,” Anthony said. “The starters’ play is going to rise regardless.”

Helping the Cyclones’ cause is a nucleus that includes six returning starters on offense.

Last season, Bandhauer set a school record with 20 touchdown passes and Davis rushed for over 1,000 yards in an injury-shortened season.

McCarney has many reasons for excitement, but he knows that the true test doesn’t begin until the team takes the field for its season opener, September 5 at Jack Trice Stadium against Texas Christian.

“Every team has got to be able to hang in there on the field to win at any level, but good leadership, team spirit, and chemistry doesn’t fall out of the sky, either,” McCarney said.