Big 12 Football: 5 teams on upset alert in Week 1 of 2017

AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Texas Tech Red Raiders coaches from the sidelines in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Ames, Iowa. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 34-31. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Texas Tech Red Raiders coaches from the sidelines in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Ames, Iowa. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 34-31. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 15: Jacob Park #10 of the Iowa State Cyclones drops back to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half on October 15, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 15: Jacob Park #10 of the Iowa State Cyclones drops back to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half on October 15, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Northern Iowa is a good FCS program. They will challenge the Iowa State Cyclones either way. Iowa State does have a lot of returning talent on offense. Wide receiver Allen Lazard is one of the best in the country at his position.

One of the bigger questions lies with junior quarterback Jacob Park. Former quarterback Joel Lanning moved to linebacker. Lanning could actually start at middle linebacker. The Cyclone offense should be good enough to outscore Northern Iowa.

Struggling to put up points could result in a quick scare for Iowa State fans. This will be a good test for the Cyclones before they face their in-state rival Iowa Hawkeyes in Week 2. Their Week 3 matchup against the Akron Zips should be a win also.

The running back duo of David Montgomery and Mike Warren should be a staple on offense. Iowa State’s defense is led by their secondary. Junior corner Brian Peavy and senior safety Kamari Cotton-Moya lead the defense. Iowa State should be able to take care of business.