COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 4 Days

Each day leading up to Iowa State’s season opener against South Dakota State, Cyclone Fanatic will check another day off the calendar with a memorable statistic, player or game as part of our Countdown to Kickoff presented by Tailgate Clothing.

When Austen Arnaud took over as Iowa State’s starting quarterback in 2008, he was tasked with replacing the best statistical signal-caller in the program’s history.

Arnaud stepped into the shoes of  Bret Meyer, the program’s leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, passing attempts and completions, then promptly became the second-best statistical quarterback in school history.

Arnaud ranks second in program history in passing yards, completions and passing attempts. His 59.7% completion percentage ranks third in program history, as does his 42 touchdown passes. He is also inside the program’s top-10 in passer rating, one spot ahead of Meyer.

The Ames native remains the last Iowa State quarterback to start every game of the season, a feat he accomplished while starting 12 games during the program’s 2-10 season in 2008.

In 2009, Arnaud threw for 2,015 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading the Cyclones to a win in the Insight Bowl, the program’s first bowl win since 2004.