Jeff’s 2024 College Football Big 12 Spotlight Team | Iowa State Cyclones


As he enters his ninth season, head coach Matt Campbell (53-48 SU & 54-40 ATS) brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to lead Iowa State this season. The team's success rests on his stability and leadership. Iowa State boasts an impressive 85% return of its production from the previous season, with all starting players from the offensive line and nearly all from the defensive line back in action. The roster is filled with experienced third- and fourth-year players, each with the potential to significantly improve their performance compared to last year. This strong continuity sets the stage for excitement and intrigue. The Cyclones are ranked second in Bill Connelly's returning production rankings.


Iowa State has a promising start to the season lined up, with potential victories against North Dakota and Arkansas State. The early Big 12 matchups against Houston and Baylor, both projected to rank lower in the conference, provide an opportunity for Iowa State to build momentum. With Texas and Oklahoma no longer on their schedule as a result of their move to the SEC, Iowa State avoids two of the most formidable opponents in the Big 12, which bolsters their optimistic outlook and fuels hope for a successful season.


Quarterback Rocco Becht will lead the offense with key players such as WR's Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Isaiah Alston, Elijah Green, and tight end Ben Brahmer. Running back Abu Sama, who had an inconsistent freshman season, is expected to be more impactful with additional experience. Becht's performance last season was impressive. He threw for 3,120 yards, 23 touchdowns, and averaged 8.5 yards per attempt. His Quarterback Rating (QBR) increased every month and ended the season at 69.1, ranking 37th in the nation. This shows potential for the 2024-25 season.


The Cyclones are gearing up for the 2024-25 season with the return of key defensive players. LB Caleb Bacon, a third-team all-conference selection, is back in action after recording an impressive 60 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Joining him is LB Will McLaughlin, who contributed 46 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions. The return of CB Myles Purchase and S Beau Freyler further bolsters the defensive lineup. The special teams have made significant progress with the addition of freshman kicker Kyle Kondary, a promising talent, and junior punter Tyler Perkins. In 2023, Perkins was named to the Ray Guy Award Watch List, given annually to the top college football punter. He achieved an average of 44.3 yards per punt, marking the third-best single-season average in school history, and finished ranked 30th in the nation. Perkins holds the best career average in ISU history at 43.4 yards per punt. His longest punt last season was 70 yards, showcasing his exceptional leg strength.


Iowa State is well-positioned for a promising season. Its experienced group of returning starters, skilled playmakers, and bolstered depth set the stage for a strong performance ahead.


Jeff’s Best Bet: Iowa State Cyclones Over 7.5 wins | -120 | Mybookie.ag


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