By what metric do you think TT projected so high? 16-16 #63 Kenpom last year and worse recruiting/transfer class than ISU.
I get a real kick out of Tech's projections in football too. Basically they had a great recruiting class so they are 3rd/4th/5th (out of 14!!!) on every prognostication. I feel like ISU basketball could have the absolute #1 ranked recruiting class and even our own fans would think we should have low expectations.
Torvik uses a "steady-state" model for defense. Historically Tech has had a good defense.
Their defense is projected at #19 next year. Iowa State is projected at #18 -- so similar.
As for their offense...

It thinks Pop Isaacs and our old friend Joe Toussaint are going to ball the **** out.
Toussaint really was a big pickup for them. And a big blow to WVU to lose him.