When Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads looked at ways of bouncing back from a second straight disappointing season he began in the locker room. Rhoads worked to rebuild the chemistry on the team after last year’s 2-10 record that included a winless Big-12 mark. Rhoads says the effort paid off and it is one of the reasons he is confident the Cyclones will make major strides this season.

How much the Cyclones improve may rest with the development of the offensive line as well as a thin and inexperienced corps of running backs. Rhoads says another key will be how the Cyclones handle adversity. He’s confident the Cyclones have the talent they need to get back to a bowl game.

The Cyclone offense will be led by senior quarterback Sam Richardson, who is preparing for his final season in a Cyclone uniform. Richardson says after a long off season the Cyclones are ready to get on the practice field.

The opener is at home on September fifth against UNI.

(Learfield Sports)