2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Iowa St. Wildcats
Gene Chizik bolted from Iowa State to Auburn just a couple years ago, and it was Paul Rhoads who took over the Iowa State program. Rhoads is from Iowa and the fan base seems to really like his coaching style.
Big 12 2011-2012 Football Previews: Iowa State Cyclones
Head Coach: Paul Rhoads
2010 Record: 5-7
Iowa State Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win BCS: +1,500 (Part of the Field)
Iowa State Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
The Cyclones shocked Texas last year, but they were unable to finish the deal against Nebraska in overtime. The team lost its last three games, so they were not eligible for a bowl berth in 2010. The offense lost several key players from last year, so there is quite a bit of rebuilding to do in 2011. The defense will need to step up and keep this team in the game.
Team Strengths:
The offensive line is the clear strength of the offense. Kelechi Osmele is the anchor of this front line, and he certainly has the skills to be an NFL star. This is a unit that has proven they are very capable in pass protection, but they are extremely strong in run blocking schemes.
The linebackers are the strength of the Iowa State defense. Jake Knott and A.J. Klein both pursue the football extremely well. Knott finished with 130 tackles in 2010, while Klein racked up 111 tackles. I fully expect this unit to help the defense improve against the run.
Team Weaknesses:
To be frank, there are plenty of weaknesses to choose from right now. While Austen Arnaud wasn’t a star at the quarterback position, Iowa State doesn’t seem to have anyone who is ready to step in this year. Jerome Tiller has the most experience, but this position is wide open at this point. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Cyclones also lost their top two wide receivers from a year ago, which means the starting quarterback will lack explosive play makers on the outside. Iowa State will need tight end Kurt Hammerschmidt to play a large role in the passing attack if they are going to move the football.
The defensive front isn’t very good against the run, and they virtually never pressure the quarterback. In fact, Iowa State managed only 11 sacks the entire season in 2011. That number is quite amazing when you consider that most teams finished with at least 30 sacks. The front four must take some pressure off the secondary. In addition, they allowed 180 yards per game on the ground last season. The team has plenty of defensive linemen returning, but they must improve over the offseason.
2011-2012 Iowa State Football Prediction: 3-9
I think Iowa State fans are in for a long season. Losing both Austen Arnaud and Alexander Robinson from an offense that was already the second worst in the Big 12 will be tough to overcome. The defense isn’t terrible, but it isn’t the type of defense that shuts down the opposition and wins games. It’s tough to find a game on the schedule that you would feel extremely comfortable saying Iowa State will win. If they are going to shock the experts and get to a bowl game, they’ll need to upset a couple conference foes at home. Iowa State’s first seven games are extremely tough, and since they will be breaking in plenty of new players, I expect a 1-6 or 2-5 start. Rhoads is dedicated to the job and I expect the team to turn it around, but 2011 will be a rough ride.
2011 Iowa State Wildcats Schedule
Sat, Sep 03 – Northern Iowa
Sat, Sep 10 – Iowa
Fri, Sep 16 – Connecticut
Sat, Oct 01 – Texas
Sat, Oct 08 – Baylor
Sat, Oct 15 – Missouri
Sat, Oct 22 – Texas A&M
Sat, Oct 29 – Texas Tech
Sat, Nov 05 – Kansas
Fri, Nov 18 – Oklahoma State
Sat, Nov 26 – Oklahoma
Sat, Dec 03 – Kansas State
One reply on “2011 Iowa State Cyclones Gambling Odds | Predictions”
Will Iowa St. have over or under 5 wins in 2011?