Iowa State football will be competing until the end in 2020

Cyclones look to capitalize on star-studded offense

The Cyclones had a highly productive season last year in the passing game. Iowa State was ranked 39th in the nation (fifth in the Big 12) in points per game (32.2) and 11th in the nation (second in the Big 12) in passing yards (311.3).

Iowa State hasn’t been part of the Big 12’s top offenses in a long time. The Cyclones will be led by several players that are considered great candidates for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Tom Manning will be entering his fourth season as the offensive coordinator who has seen the highs and lows during those four seasons.

The Cyclones will be well suited at the quarterback position as they will be led by junior Brock Purdy, who has started 21 games for Iowa State. He and Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger are considered two of the Big 12’s best quarterbacks going into 2020. Last season, Purdy threw for 3,982 yards, 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for eight touchdowns and 249 yards on 93 carries.

Purdy is one of the most dynamic and productive quarterbacks in the nation. He will use this season likely as one last session to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, where he has been considered a first-round talent.

Iowa State’s rushing game has been highly productive through the years under Matt Campbell. This past season, however, the Cyclones were ranked 102nd in the nation (ninth in the Big 12) in rushing yards (133). Breece Hall started the final seven games as a true freshman. He was voted as a first-team freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus and 247Sports as he rushed for 897 yards and nine touchdowns on 186 carries.

The Cyclones will look for not only balance on offense but also reliability to take that pressure off of Purdy. Hall will be the future playmaker of the Cyclones’ offense once Purdy likely departs after the 2020 season.

There is some concern with the passing game outside of Purdy at the quarterback position. The Cyclones lost their top receiver last season in Deshaunte Jones as well as a reliable playmaker in Le’Michael Pettway. They do return their Nos. 2 and 3 receivers from last year in Tarique Milton and tight end Charlie Kolar, respectively.

Milton was the Cyclones’ top deep-threat receiver as he caught 35 passes for 722 yards and three touchdowns. Kolar is one of the most reliable and dynamic receivers last season after catching 51 passes for 697 yards and seven touchdowns. Sean Shaw Jr. will get the start after making a significant production in his freshman year.

The offensive line will be one of the most concerning units on this side of the ball for the remaining offseason. Last season, the Cyclones offensive line allowed 18 sacks throughout the season as they helped stabilized the passing offense. The only starter returning this season is left guard Trevor Downing. He was voted as a second-team freshman All-American by The Athletic last year.

Junior center Colin Newell looks to return after only playing in three games with two starts this past season. He started 12 games at center in 2018.