Iowa State Football: David Montgomery has been 2017 offensive MVP

Iowa State football had an impressive 2017 season in Matt Campbell’s second year as coach. Who stands out as the offensive MVP for the Cyclones?

The Iowa State Cyclones were drastically improved on offense in 2017 behind the guidance of Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Tom Manning.

The Cyclones were ranked 55th in the country in total offense behind a solid running game and an explosive passing game. Senior receiver Allen Lazard was the Cyclones featured weapon in the passing game as Lazard has recorded a catch in every game in his college career.

Also a key weapon for Iowa State was running back David Montgomery, who was tackle-breaking machine, but who was the most valuable offensive player?

Offensive MVP: David Montgomery, RB, Sophomore

Iowa State’s offense would not have been the same without David Montgomery. The running back who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in the Cyclones win over Baylor, becoming ISU’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Mike Warren in 2015.

According to Pro Football Focus, Montgomery set the NCAA record for most broken tackles in a season since PFF started tracking the stat in 2015.

Montgomery first made his presence known against in-state rival Iowa, where he rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown in the Cyclones heartbreaking 44-41 loss in overtime. On his lone touchdown run, Montgomery ran over All-American linebacker Josey Jewell to give Iowa State a seemingly insurmountable 31-21 lead at the time.

Next: Latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft entering Week 14

There is no question Montgomery’s importance to the Iowa State offense is a game-changer. It’s the old school football philosophy: use the run to set up the pass, and Montgomery has excelled in that role. Just a reminder to the rest of the Big 12 as well: he is only a sophomore. He will be a nightmare for defensive coordinators for the next couple years.