Iowa State Football: 3 Off-season questions for the Cyclones

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell holes up the trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks 34-17 at the 50th PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NetworkNcaa Football Oregon At Iowa State
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell holes up the trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks 34-17 at the 50th PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NetworkNcaa Football Oregon At Iowa State /
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Syndication: Arizona Republic
Syndication: Arizona Republic /

Does Purdy have another level to his game?

The reason scouts like Oklahoma this season is because everyone expects quarterback Spencer Rattler to take another step in his development after the way he played at the end of the season and in the bowl game.

Brock Purdy needs to take that step. If there is one criticism of Matt Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State, Purdy has not taken the step forward to be one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Purdy has been the same quarterback every season.

The completion percentage and interceptions have been similar for three seasons. Is that scheme or a lack of blue-chip talent around him? Though criticizing an inability to elevate the skill position talent play is fair, few quarterbacks can elevate marginal talent.

Purdy does have Breece hall to give defenses fits. That means Purdy gets plenty of man coverage. If that’s the case, the Arizona native has to do a more consistent job of beating man coverage. Iowa State is in an “if not this year, when” situation when it comes to competition for a conference title.

Oklahoma is loaded, but there is not another clear contender. The Cyclones’ ability to contend has a lot to do with Purdy’s ability to elevate his game.