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5 questions for Iowa State football heading into 2024 media day
Will the Cyclones have a deep and productive receiving corps for QB Rocco Becht?
AMES — Clarity.
That single word best defines the Iowa State football program’s prospects entering Friday’s media day at Jack Trice Stadium.
It’s a welcome change from last fall, when a now-embattled state investigation into sports gambling hung over the program. Several previous starters — including at quarterback and running back — became entangled in the probe, which forced Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell to reshape his rotations on both sides of the ball.
ISU went on to notch its sixth winning season since 2017 anyway — and now the Cyclones return the vast majority of their production as the 2024 season swings into view.
So optimism is warranted in advance of the Aug. 31 season opener against North Dakota, but questions still surround ISU’s program as it seeks to emerge as a prime contender in the Big 12 this fall.
Here are five of the biggest question marks as training camp begins in earnest:
1. Can the offensive line finally become a strength?
Ryan Clanton joined the program last season and asked his players to play with “violence and versatility.” That group produced wildly mixed results in that regard, but Clanton’s track record as an offensive line coach suggests consistency up front will come eventually — and maybe even this season.
Jarrod Hufford (33 career starts) and Tyler Miller (26 starts) lead a deep and experienced offensive line room that also added transfers Dylan Barrett (Wisconsin) and Jalen Travis (Princeton). The Cyclones ranked third in the Big 12 last season in sacks allowed with 14, but struggled to execute consistently in the run game.
2. Will the Cyclones field their deepest and most explosive group of pass catchers in the Campbell era?
Quite possibly. Jaydin Higgins and Jaylin Noel form one of the best 1-2 combinations in the Big 12. They combined for 119 catches, 1,803 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and will be surrounded by other talented players such as tight end Ben Brahmer and receivers Daniel Jackson and Beni Ngoyi. Army transfer Isaiah Alston also could supply some big plays, and North Dakota State transfer Eli Green totaled nearly 900 receiving yards last season. So quarterback Rocco Becht — the Big 12 offensive freshman of the year in 2023 — will enjoy plenty of high-octane options as he works through his progressions.
3. Can the defensive line produce enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks?
ISU ranked among the top three in the Big 12 in scoring defense for the seventh consecutive season in 2023, but struggled to get to the quarterback for the second straight season. The Cyclones ranked 11th in sacks with 21 after ranking last the previous season with 18.
ISU defensive coordinator Jon Heacock’s durable and successful 3-3-5 stack scheme may be due for a fresh wrinkle or two (as in playing four down linemen more often), and with Caleb Bacon emerging as a star at linebacker, along with one of the league’s best secondaries led by Jeremiah Cooper and Beau Freyler, more pressures and sacks could be coming.
4. Will ISU be good on the road again?
The Cyclones went 4-1 away from home in Big 12 play last season and three of their sternest tests, on paper (Iowa, West Virginia, Utah), will come on the road this season. If ISU can win either in Iowa City or Morgantown, it likely will be 5-1 as the second half of the season begins with a home date against Central Florida.
If the Cyclones can win both of those tough road games and win other games they’ll be favored in early, they could remain in contention for a shot at playing in the Big 12 title game deep into November.
5. Can turnover margin be a strength for the second season in a row?
ISU ranked 16th nationally in this important stat last season — an improvement of precisely 100 spots from its lowly mark in 2022.
The Cyclones' ability to turn teams over through interceptions (tied for 10th nationally with 16) coupled with Becht’s efficiency in the passing game (23 touchdown passes, eight interceptions), must remain strong if the team is to approach its lofty goals this season.
Comments: robgray18@icloud.com
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