Amidst the many negatives of a losing football season, loyal Cyclone fans desperately search for something to hold onto — any positive performance that gives hope for a brighter future.

Last season, one of those “somethings” was ISU quarterback Todd Bandhauer.

Bandhauer, who spent much of 1997 ducking onrushing defenders, still managed to find open receivers for a total of 2,514 passing yards (228.6 per game), tops in the Big 12. He also:

— had the second-highest season-passing total in ISU history, behind David Archer’s 2,639 yards in 1983.

— threw a school-record 20 touchdown passes, breaking the old mark of 18 set by Archer in 1983.

— attempted a school-record 140 consecutive passes without an interception from the first quarter of the Texas A&M game (Oct. 11) to the third quarter of the Nebraska game (Nov. 15). Archer held the old mark of 137.

— completed 26 of a school-record 51 pass attempts for 375 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa. The 375-yard effort was the No. 2 passing day in school history, behind Bret Oberg’s 411-yard outing vs. Oklahoma in 1989.

Thanks to his stellar junior year, Bandhauer has also advanced up the ISU career charts. He currently ranks second behind Alex Espinoza in career touchdown passes (Bandhauer has 26, Espinoza had 33) and seventh in career passing yards (Bandhauer has 3,028; Espinoza 5,307).

There are several records within Bandhauer’s reach again this season, but the senior from Florida will chase them without the help of veteran wide receivers Tyrone Watley and Ed Williams, who are now vying for spots in the upcoming NFL draft.

Four highly-touted junior college receivers are slated to join the Cyclones for fall practice, but this spring, the position is short on experience — filling the two-deep roster are junior Mike Brantley, who has just three career receptions, and senior Kevin Wilson, who played at defensive back in 1997.

“It’s hard to [adjust to new guys], but I’ve been throwing to Mike Brantley since my first day here and he’s done a really good job,” Bandhauer said at a recent practice. “The other [receivers] are basically brand new.”

Bandhauer, who stands 6-3, also said he feels a little quicker on his feet this spring.

The added speed could come in handy this season if he is harassed by opposing defenses like he was last fall. In 1997, opponents sacked Bandhauer a whopping 46 times, including eight by Iowa and Kansas State.

“Coach McCarney set up a program with Coach Getty [strength and conditioning Coach Matt McGettigan] to work on speed and quickness, and I think it’s helped. Plus, I think I’ve lost about 12 pounds … now I weight about 225,” Bandhauer said.

He said that after constantly being pounded into the turf last season, he felt “pretty sore” after every game, with the exception of the Homecoming victory over Baylor. This spring, however, he said he feels much better, and his wrist isn’t bothering him either.

The offensive line, the players most responsible for giving Bandhauer ample protection, will feature several new faces this season with the departure of starting seniors Oliver Ross, Matt Rahfaldt and Kurt Levetzow.

Bandhauer said he has confidence in the ability of the newcomers, who will join currently injured returnees Ben Bruns, Charlie Bogwill and Marc Cortez in the fall.

“[Freshman] Marcel Howard is going to come in and do a great job. [Sophomore] Josh Rank didn’t play much last year, but he’s going to be able to do the job,” he said.

In addition to new linemen, Bandhauer and his offensive teammates are also adjusting to new offensive coordinator and offensive line Coach Pete Hoener. Bandhauer said he likes Hoener’s coaching style and said the young linemen are “in good hands” under him.

“He’s very hard-nosed and ‘tough guy,’ but if you’re doing things right, he’s your friend,” Bandhauer said. “I enjoy working with him, and those guys do too.”

Bandhauer posted impressive numbers last season, but one can sense in his words that the confident quarterback is most hungry for team success in 1998.

“It’s a new year and a different attitude, and I think it’ll be evident during the spring game,” he said.