Iowa State Football: 5 takeaways from Cyclones’ spring 2018

Iowa State football has made it through spring ball and it’s time to look forward to the 2018 season. What’d we learn about the Cyclones this spring?

Matt Campbell has done one heck of a job in Ames. The third-year head coach is 11-14 through two seasons with Iowa State, but last season saw the Cyclones nearly double their win total from 2016. He has a strong team returning in 2018 and although he’s been drawing interest from top programs, he’s signed an extension with the Cyclones.

That’s right, Campbell is staying in Ames for the foreseeable future and there’s nothing the rest of the Big 12 can do about it. Iowa State is on the rise, and that much was evident this spring, despite losses of some top players such as Joel Lanning and Allen Lazard.

What’d we learn about the Cyclones this spring?

5. Offensive line may be a strength in 2018

Iowa State returns three starters in 2018 on the offensive line and it was evident that was one of the areas of strength this spring.

In fact, Matt Campbell was open about the offensive line’s growth this spring, telling 247Sports‘ Alex Halsted that the unit finally has an identity after two years of up-and-down play.

The three returning starters, all juniors, Julian Good-Jones, Josh Knipfel and Bryce Meeker have all played well this spring and freshman center Colin Newell looks to be the favorite to win the fourth spot. However, the left tackle spot is up for grabs and Sean Foster and Jacob Bolton will be duking it out for starting snaps.

With an identity, the offensive line should be a strength in 2018.