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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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Who is Iowa State’s big-play receiver?

It is hard to compete on a big stage when the most dangerous player on your offense is the running back. When you can take away the running back or jump out to a lead early, that takes the running back away.

Breece Hall comes into this season as arguably the best running back in the country. Hall is a Heisman favorite. That gives the Cyclones a threat few teams in the country have. However, who is the deep threat? Does Iowa State football have anyone that can take the top off of a defense?

Last season, no receiver with at least 15 receptions averaged more than 15 yards per reception. The big plays were few and far between for the Cyclones. To further exacerbate matters, Iowa State football was not efficient in the passing game.

The Cyclones have a ceiling without big-play receivers. Dynamic perimeter players have become as important to a roster as a quality blindside tackle. Without it, the Cyclones will have a difficult time winning a conference title and competing for the Playoff.