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Iowa State Football: 5 takeaways from Cyclones’ spring 2018

By Connor Muldowney

MORGANTOWN, WV - NOVEMBER 04: Kyle Kempt #17 of the Iowa State Cyclones looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field on November 04, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - NOVEMBER 04: Kyle Kempt #17 of the Iowa State Cyclones looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field on November 04, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones tips his hat as he leave the field after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 66-10 at Jack Trice Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 66-10 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones tips his hat as he leave the field after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 66-10 at Jack Trice Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 66-10 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

1. Matt Campbell continues to raise expectations

Expectations are on the rise for Iowa State. A few years ago, the hopes of the program hovered in the realm of bowl eligibility, but rarely did that happen. With Matt Campbell now in charge, the expectations have surpassed bowl eligibility and after a 7-5 season, fans are hoping for a 10-win campaign and maybe some Big 12 contention.

Only two teams were able to take down Oklahoma and Heisman-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2017, and Iowa State was one of them — moreover, the Cyclones did so on the road. This feat would have been unfathomable a couple of years ago under different leadership, but Campbell is changing the culture in Ames.

While there may be question marks surrounding the offense, there are still key pieces returning such as Kyle Kempt, Hakeem Butler and David Montgomery. On top of that, the defense which ranked third in the conference in yards allowed per game last season should be even better in 2018.

Next: Way-too-early 2019 NFL Mock Draft

Iowa State is no longer a doormat in the Big 12. The Cyclones will have a tough schedule in 2018, but they have shown they have the potential to win 8-10 games.

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