Skinny - Austen Arnaud is a really good quarterback given the level of talent around him and he should only be better this season. Iowa State's top back is back, but neither Alexander Robinson or his offensive line are anything to scare an opponent with. RJ Sumrall is the only receiver not back, but again, the receivers coming back are nothing special. The defense, like other defenses in the bottom half of the Big 12, was pretty miserable last year and things don't look any brighter going into this season. Iowa State didn't have anyone make All Big-12, although give Arnaud credit. If he had a better supporting cast and played in a conference like the Big Ten or the ACC, he'd be getting a lot more national attention. Iowa State lost ten in a row after a 2-0 start last season and this season doesn't look much better. They might get three non-conference wins this season as Army replaces UNLV, but another defeated Big 12 season is probable unless Iowa State could spark an upset.
Strength - Austen Arnaud
Finding a strength on a team like this, sadly, is hard to find. One strength is there turnover margin ranked 40th in the nation in the positive side last season. Besides that their quarterback is really their only "good" player. Arnaud got a bit of action his freshman season, but burst on to the scene, as much as an Iowa State player can, last season with 2792 yards through the air and 401 on the ground. He had 20 TDs between the two to 10 picks. Arnaud is built well at 6'3" 220 and should keep the games relatively close.
Weakness - Everything else
Most of the receivers are back, but none of them really stand out as playmakers. The ypc were low for most of Arnaud's targets, diminishing the chance for a big play. The running back situation isn't great behind Robinson. His 4.6 ypc isn't bad, especially for a team of this caliber, but its nothing spectacular and the offensive line he runs behind doesn't do much to help. Christopher Lyle had a solid 5 sacks last year and outperformed starter Rashawn Parker. Frere is a solid option at one tackle, but the other is up for grabs. The linebackers were nothing spectacular. You're bound to get tackles when your always on the field and a safety actually led the team, which means teams are getting to the second level. The secondary was terrible last year and gets two new starters this year.
Key Game - 9/26/09 Army
You know its bad when this is a game you need to win. Army should give Iowa State a third win unless they lose to a team they shouldn't. That mean they'll get to start the season 3-1 and give them a false sense of hope before fading away with the progression of the Big 12 schedule. Iowa State just needs to recruit better if they want to get better. Recruiting is a result of winning, so new coach Paul Rhoads better figure something out or the cycle of losing under Gene Chizik will just continue.
Key Player - Alexander Robinson
Robinson is just one of about 21 starters that needs to step up if Iowa State wants to compete with the teams in the Big 12. Iowa State looked like they had a shot at a few games last season. They lost to UNLV in overtime and the next week they lost a two point game to Kansas. They lost at Colorado by just 4 points near the end of the season too. If Robinson and a few other players can step up there game just a little, Iowa State might be able to win one or two of those games and maybe make an impact in the Big 12 standings by screwing over other teams.
Impact Freshman - Josh Lenz
Predicted Big 12 finish - 6th (North)
Top 5 Players
1. QB Austen Arnaud
2. OL Reggie Stephens
3. FS James Smith
4. LB Jesse Smith
5. DT Nate Frere
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