Except for a mid-season stretch where they lost three games by a total of 20 points (incl. two in OT), the Cyclones might have achieved a top five ranking and the respect they deserve. Then there was Kansas. Upset wins over in-state rival Iowa and Colorado, along with a road-trip whipping administered at A&M, mean character exists in an offense that returns ten (upperclassmen) starters and four senior linemen. Soon-to-be junior QB Bret Meyer quietly flew under most radar to rank in the top 30 for efficiency, and his 2-1 TD-INT ratio will improve to make the Cyclone’s version of the spread option finally hum. WR Todd Blythe opens defenses for the entire O by snarling whatever comes his way. That loss to Kansas that kept them out of the league title game will only make them hungrier. The only troubles look to be on defense. Turnover means the secondary is gutted, and losses to the front seven could equal disaster for their top 10 rated ground stuffers. State has steadily improved on D, and the newer faces meshing with the remaining six will dictate how things ultimately go in Ames. ISU draws Texas (away) for their fourth game, a team that will measure all of these variables and expose the Cyclone’s weakest areas. If you are reading this, then maybe Iowa State won’t sneak up on you next year when they surprise many.