AMES, Iowa (AP) — The Big 12 is as unsettled as ever heading into 2013, with more than half the league earning at least one first-place vote in preseason poll. Except, of course, for Iowa State. Once again, expectations are fairly low for the Cyclones. Iowa State, which finished 6-7 and 3-6 in the Big 12 in 2012, has been picked ninth.

The Cyclones need to replace at least 11 starters and are highly unsettled at defensive line and wide receiver heading into fall camp, which began on Monday. Iowa State opens its fifth season under coach Paul Rhoads against Northern Iowa on Aug. 31. Rhoads says the competition for starting spots is a good thing, adding that it creates the appetite necessary for improvement.