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Big 12 Football: Every team’s most important newcomer

By Dante Pryor

Dec 7, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (2) holds up the most outstanding player trophy after the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2019 Big 12 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (2) holds up the most outstanding player trophy after the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2019 Big 12 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network
Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network /

7. Iowa State Cyclones

There is a lot of buzz around Ames, Iowa, because of last season. 2020 was their best season in 20 years. The first time the Cyclones had won nine games and finished the season ranked since the Dan McCarney era.

Their postseason ranking (ninth) was the highest postseason rank since 1976 (19th), and just the third time the Cyclones finished the season ranked in the top 25. That has Cyclone nation thinking they could play for the Big 12 football title again this season and win.

The other side to this is, this same Iowa State team lost to Louisiana to begin the season. Both Oklahoma and Texas are better, so the Cyclones have more to contend with this season than last. One thing is for sure; they are not going to win handing the ball to Breece Hall 40 times a game.

The Cyclones need a playmaker on the perimeter, and Jaylin Noel could help with that. Noel’s speed jumps out on his film. Though Noel needs some refinement as a route runner and has to add some size, he can add to the return game, play in the slot and even run some jet sweep plays.

Noel is a shifty runner who is elusive. The Cyclones need a big-play receiving threat to compliment Breece Hall, and Noel could fit.

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