Iowa State Football: 5 Bold predictions for Cyclones in 2021

Iowa State football had essentially its best season ever in 2020, so what will the Cyclones do in 2021? Here are five bold predictions. 

In terms of what Iowa State football did last season, it’s hard to put into context how impressive that season was compared to the history of the Cyclones.

When Iowa State was able to beat Oregon and win the Fiesta Bowl, it placed them in the top 10 of the final AP poll for the first time ever. And beyond that, it was only the third time in Iowa state football history that the Cyclones had been ranked in the final AP poll.

Before Matt Campbell and the last four seasons, Iowa State had never had four winning seasons in a row and that’s a good reason why the Cyclones rewarded Campbell with a new long-term extension designed to keep him in Ames through 2028.

Who knows how well that will work, but looking ahead to next season, Iowa State has its head coach, its quarterback, star running back, star defensive player and a number of super seniors coming back for another year and here are five bold predictions for the Cyclones in 2021:

Iowa State beats Iowa

One thing Matt Campbell hasn’t done at Iowa State is beat Iowa. He’s lost all four tries but didn’t get the chance in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The game is supposed to be play in Ames and the last two times it was there, Iowa escaped with a 3-point overtime and a one-point win in 2019.

But this Iowa State team is different. It has an elite running back with Breece Hall and Brock Purdy is one of the country’s best quarterbacks.

You’ll find out later about Iowa State’s Big 12 title hopes, but before the Cyclones even start with the Big 12 conference next season, they will get one monkey off their back.