Outlook for next year?

[UnCytely]

I know there is still a bowl game to look forward to, but I thought I'd discuss this.

I know we lose Lanning, Kempt, and Lazard. That will hurt right there. Especially Lanning. He is the emotional heart of everything -- offense and defense. We return three good running backs, though, and a good freshman QB.

I am a little worried about the coaching staff, though. Even if we manage to keep Campbell (and I think we will), I am worried about other programs picking apart our coaching staff.

 

[CascadeClone]

We will have a great team back, tons of talented young guys played important minutes this year.

And we will get boned by the refs in a couple key games, probably Texas on the road and WV at home.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

13-0 while grabbing our crotches to the ref every time there is a flag picked up against us

 

[beentherebefore]

There is a lot of potential for one of Iowa State's best teams, but the Cyclones will need to be farther ahead of teams late in the game in order to have fewer officiating errors determine the outcome of games.

 

[demoncore1031]

My outlook for next year... we go 9-4 with 2 of those losses being at the hands of the officiating crew.

 

[Cyclone27inQC]

Im so darn excited for next year already!

 

[bos]

Extra salty.

 

[Die4Cy]

 

[demoncore1031]

I know there is still a bowl game to look forward to, but I thought I'd discuss this.

I know we lose Lanning, Kempt, and Lazard. That will hurt right there. Especially Lanning. He is the emotional heart of everything -- offense and defense. We return three good running backs, though, and a good freshman QB.

I am a little worried about the coaching staff, though. Even if we manage to keep Campbell (and I think we will), I am worried about other programs picking apart our coaching staff.

Montgomery, Croney, Lang, Warren (possibly) and Nwangwu at RB. More than three. The o-line needs to be better in the run game and if they do then we dominate next year.

 

[FredCyclone]

Lot of young talent next year, we will start of flat and then get better, as the young guys get more reps. Also because of the bowl game, we will be getting an additional 15 practices, which will help the young guys grow and be ready for next year. I think Zeb is talented and will be a difference maker next year.

 

[BloodyBuddy]

Any chance Park is back for his senior year?

 

[BeneventiCy28]

13-0 while grabbing our crotches to the ref every time there is a flag picked up against us

Careful if you drop the ball on the defender you just roasted in the end zone. I hear next year they’re changing that to automatic ejection and taking away the touchdown. Of course that may just be a rumor since those things get thrown around more than monkey **** nowadays.

 

[madguy30]

6-7 wins is my expectation.

Depends on how far Noland comes along and the Oline.

 

[clonedude]

I'm predicting 2 Letters of Apology from the Big 12 next year.

Seriously though, everything will depend on the QB and OL IMO. If Park isn't back, we need to grab a decent JUCO or transfer at QB. We can't go into the season with just Noland, and nobody behind him that has even taken a snap. If Campbell felt the need to go out and get Park and Kempt last year, he'll definitely feel the need to go get someone if Park isn't back.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Hopefully the offense can improve. We were looking good for a while but couldn't score worth a damn four out of the last five games. Throw out OSU in that stretch and we don't even average 20 points a game which in our league is pathetic. That's back to our Cyclone norm which just isn't going to cut it. Defense did their job and didn't drop off as much as the offense.

 

[2speedy1]

So if Montgomery continues to improve and has a better year than this year and we can get a 9 win season does he get any Heisman love? I know its a long shot but does he at least get in the conversation?

 

[Win5002]

I'm really excited about what we get back, I always thought next year was the break out year. Its tough losing Lazard but when you have Butler, Eaton & Jones to start a receiving core that is still a very good wide receiving group. I don't understand hesitancy about Noland, I really like him as a player, although they may want a backup with experience. The staff may want to look for graduate transfers immediately eligible or a spring JUCO transfer for the OL, MLB(although I wonder if Spears could slide into the middle if needed) and possibly a safety.

The schedule is interesting next year. OU is the 3rd game and they come to Ames, while they will have revenge on their mind its their first road game and they are breaking in a new QB. Its hard to ever pick ISU over OU but that may set up well for ISU. The schedule is definitely front end loaded with @iowa, OU & @TCU in the first 5 games.

Also the best QB's this year in the Big 12 are gone. Grier from WVU is probably considered the best returning QB. With the returning defense ISU has and the QB I think Noland can be I really like next years team. I think a top 4 finish is very possible with contending for a title possible.

 

[Smokeonapproach93]

IMO....it will be interesting to watch the programs with coaching changes like Tennessee, Nebraska, Arkansas, to see if any graduate transfers will be available next summer.......

 

[Omaha Cy]

I love the schedule next year. Perennial sketchy road teams come to Ames(Tech/Baylor). Get 2 mid-level programs at home as well (KSU-WVU). OU early as they break in a new QB. @ Kansas, and Beaty wasn't fired after the game, so he's likely back.

Heacock will go into next season with a great deal of proven commodities on the D.

 

[Jer]

I’d say 7-8 wins. Not expecting to beat OU and TCU, TX will be much improved, Iowa is always a toss up, and I think WVU will be around Top 20.

Unfortunately reality is we play a stacked schedule every year and while there are plenty of opportunities, there is also very little margin for error separating a 5 win and 9 win season (as evident this year). Best I can do is say we win half the toss ups and lose the other half - making a 7 win season most likely.