Though Iowa State lost a close Alamo Bowl against Washington State, the Cyclones have become a consistent challenger in the Big 12 after years of serving as the league’s doormat and occasional spoiler. Matt Campbell’s team will be a second-tier threat in the league once again despite having to reload at several key positions.
One place where the Cyclones are set is at quarterback, where new offensive coordinator Tom Manning can count on second-year starter Brock Purdy to lead the unit. Losing David Montgomery in the backfield and Hakeem Butler from the receiving corps is tough, but with Purdy back and getting the benefit of spring ball for the first time he could make a quantum leap in 2019.
The defense is in far better shape in terms of returning productivity, with eight starters returning and a deep group of veteran talent behind them. Cornerback is the thinnest group on that side of the ball, but a strong defensive front and linebacking corps will mitigate the passing threat at the point of attack.
The annual non-conference rivalry game against Iowa is at Jack Trice Stadium this year. With the Hawkeyes game bookended by visits from FCS Northern Iowa and Sun Belt middleweight ULM, the Cyclones won’t have to leave Ames until the last weekend of September. The Nov. 9 trip to Oklahoma could be pivotal to the Cyclones’ New Year’s Six hopes.