Iowa State is coming off a rough couple of seasons and has lost its last 10 games. However, a new coach, Paul Rhoads (a defense coordinator from Auburn…sound familiar?) hopes to turn the program around. The Cyclones definitely could use a boost in their defense which gave up over 35 point per game last year and only held one Big Twelve team (Colorado) under 30. Iowa State ranked in the bottom 10 statistically in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense, and pass efficiency defense. The offense was better and showed flashes, but still was tenth in the conference scoring only 25.3 points per game. New offensive coordinator Tom Herman is installing an up tempo, all shotgun offense that had his previous team, Rice, in the top 10 offensively.

Offense: Key Returning Players
It’s hard to get an accurate number of returning starters as the 2 deeps changed frequently. But at every position the Cyclones return a player with at least some starting experience, including QB Austen Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson, who together combined for most of ISU’s yards last year. Arnaud had a record setting season passing throwing for 2792 yards and he also ran for another 401 yards. Robinson was the team’s leading rusher with 703 yards on 153 carries. Another bright spot could be the offense line who returns 3 full-time starters, C Alex Alvarez, G Ben Lamaak, G Reggie Stephens, and four others who started at least on game. Other notable players returning are TE Derrick Catlett, WR Houston Jones, and WR Darius Darks who set a freshman record with 49 receptions in 2008.

Offense: Key Losses
The Cyclones biggest loss is WR R.J. Sumrall. He was the team’s leading receiver last year with 57 receptions for 750 yards, including 7 touchdowns. He was also only 1 of 3 players to start every game last year on offense. Another loss is backup RB Jason Scales who had a good career at ISU rushing for 5 touchdowns in his final season.

Defense: Key Returning Players
The defense returns 12 players with starting experience. Most notable are James and Jesse Smith (FS and LB respectively). The Smiths were number 1 and 2 in tackles, both with over 80. Also returning are NG Nate Frere, DE Rashawn Parker, and LB Fred Garrin who all started every game last year.

Defense: Key Losses
About the only major loss is DE Kurtis Taylor. Taylor started every game last year and had a team high 11 tackles for loss.

For more information on Iowa State’s 2009 football team, read the Spring Prospectus.