Iowa State Cyclones
Big 12
Few expected much out of Iowa State this year. But if you look at the Cyclones schedule, they really did not have a bad loss the entire year. They lost to Texas, Baylor, Missouri, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Kansas State. And it is not like all the wins were against inferior opponents. Iowa State knocked off Iowa, Connecticut on the road, Texas Tech on the road and, of course, Oklahoma State.
2011 Record: 6-6, 3-6
Last Bowl Appearance: 2009 Insight Bowl vs. Minnesota (W 14-13)
Big Wins: 9/10 Iowa (44-41), 11/18 Oklahoma State (37-31)
Bad Losses: 10/8 at Baylor (26-49), 10/15 at Missouri (17-52)
Coach: Paul Rhoads (18-19 at Iowa State, 18-19 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-1 at Iowa State, 0-1 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Tom Herman
Defensive Coordinator: Wally Burnham
Strengths:
The Cyclones are not particularly great at any aspect of the game, but Coach Paul Rhoads has his team winning close games. Quarterback Jared Barnett took over for Steele Jantz about halfway through the season and the freshman has done an admirable job. Barnett is not a very accurate or potent passer at this point in his career, but he can make plays with his legs and that is what keeps this offense moving…occasionally. Wide receivers Darius Reynolds and Josh Lenz are capable playmakers who can make things happen as long as the quarterback can get them the ball. The offense also has sophomore James White, who has rushed for eight scores on the year. Jeff Woody is another solid running back who has been playing very well late in the year. With White, Woody and Barnett all capable of making big plays on the ground, the Cyclones offense is more dangerous than they look as long as they can throw the ball effectively every once in a while.
Weaknesses:
Besides the blowout win over Texas Tech, Iowa State has only won close games. The offense is just not built to score a ton of points in a hurry. The inexperience at quarterback is the cause of that problem. By Big 12 standards the pass defense has done pretty well. However, on many occasions the opposition has not needed to pass. When Iowa State loses, they usually lose quite handily. Jake Knott and A.J. Klein are a couple great linebackers who can rack up the tackles. However, the defense has a very tough time getting any pressure into the backfield. The Cyclones tend to drop back in coverage and bend and hope not to break. That does not always work and it would be very beneficial if players like defensive end Jake Lattimer and nose guard Stephen Ruempolhamer could get into the backfield without the help of blitzing linebackers or defensive backs.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: James White, RB, 701 yards
Passing: Steele Jantz, QB, 1,322 yards
Receiving: Darius Reynolds, WR, 655 yards
Tackles: Jake Knott, LB, 107
Sacks: Patrick Neal, DE, 3.5
Interceptions: Ter’Ran Benton, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 178.09 (37th in nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 217.00 (71, 7)
Total Offense: 395.09 (55, 7)
Scoring Offense: 23.55 (85, 9)
Rushing Defense: 194.64 (98, 7)
Pass Defense: 244.36 (82, 3)
Total Defense: 439.00 (102, 6)
Scoring Defense: 29.55 (81, 7)
Turnover Margin: -.55 (99, 9)
Sacks: 1.18 (108, 9)
Sacks Allowed: 2.00 (64, 6)
