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Iowa State Football: Big 12 title a serious possibility in 2019

By Steven Hamner

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones throws a pass before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones throws a pass before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 28: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones throws a pass under pressure by Taylor Comfort #56 of the Washington State Cougars in the fourth quarter during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 28: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones throws a pass under pressure by Taylor Comfort #56 of the Washington State Cougars in the fourth quarter during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Brock Purdy leads offense again

Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy was heading into the 2018 season behind several quarterbacks. Kyle Kempt started off under center for the Cyclones, but was hurt in the first game. Zeb Noland took over after Kempt was injured and the offense struggled, averaging slightly over 17 points over the first four games.

Purdy got his chance in the fifth game of the season and never looked back. He ended up throwing for over 2,200 yards and rushing for over 300 yards. He had 21 total touchdowns and threw seven interceptions. Once he took over at quarterback, he led the Cyclones to average over 30 points per game in the games he played. He’s back for his sophomore year and could be the best quarterback in the Big 12.

The fans have plenty to be excited about with Purdy under center, however there are still some major questions regarding the Iowa State offense.

The Cyclones lose their top running back from last year in David Montgomery, who rushed for over 1,200 yards with 13 touchdowns and they lose their top wide receiver Hakeem Butler, who had over 1,300 yards receiving and nine scores. Montgomery was a first-team All-Big 12 running back who was drafted in the third round by the Bears.

It’s always tough to replace a talent like Montgomery, but it has to be done. People around the program are very high on the two true freshmen that are coming in and the Cyclones return several veteran backups. I wouldn’t be surprised to see several running backs rotated in to start the season off until someone pulls away.

The Cyclones will also look to break in a new No. 1 receiver as Butler was drafted in the fourth round by the Cardinals. He will be tough to replace, but the Cyclones bring back their No. 2 and No. 3 leading receiver’s from last year and their roles should both increase.

A veteran offensive line returns with most being seniors and should be improved from last year. Even with the departures of Montgomery and Butler, the Cyclone offense should continue to find success in 2019 with Purdy leading the way.

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