Cyclones to face new challenges in football next season

AMES - Jake Knott told the Twitter world this week what most Cyclone fans probably knew he already was feeling:

“Missing the normal Tuesday practice,” Knott wrote.

In a flash, Iowa State's football season is finished, short of the program's stated goal of a second postseason appearance in as many years under Coach Paul Rhoads. Last Saturday's 14-0 loss to No. 15-ranked Missouri left ISU's record at 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the final year of the Big 12 Conference as it is currently configured.

Nebraska and Colorado are leaving the league, and the Cyclones will start in on a round-robin schedule with the other remaining nine teams and a shortened non-conference slate.

Victories over Texas Tech and at Texas highlighted a season that nearly was much better than anyone expected playing one of college football's most difficult schedules. Five opponents - all losses - were ranked in the top 10 at one point in time.

There's plenty of room for improvement overall, but things appear to be headed in the right direction under Rhoads.

Next season will provide a new set of challenges, from the changing schedule to replacing a three-year starter at quarterback and his most productive set of skill players.

The defense statistically did not have a banner year but loses a couple of key performers that will have to be replaced.