Iowa State Football Report - 11 Aug

[Wesley]

Cyclones report: Strategy and personnel

Aug. 11, 2007
The Sports Xchange

Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes · Inside slant



HEAD COACH
Gene Chizik, 1st year at Iowa State.
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
QB Bret Meyer -- Iowa State was expected to give opponents fits last season with its firepower, but the offense fizzled because it allowed more sacks (38) than any Big 12 team. Better protection is needed, but Meyer must deliver the ball and be better with snap decisions.
BREAKOUT STAR
WR Wallace Franklin -- The Cyclones must find threats to take pressure off returning standout Todd Blythe. Franklin will get his chance as a Juco transfer who originally signed with Nebraska.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH
OT Doug Dedrick -- Chizik attempted to fortify his offensive line with Juco transfers and Dedrick could be the most important addition if he moves in on the left side to protect Meyer's blind spot.
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
Offense -- QB Bret Meyer, RB Jamicah Bass, WR R.J. Sumrall, WR Todd Blythe, WR Wallace Franklin, TE Ben Barkema, LT Doug Dedrick, LG Reggie Stephens, C Brandon Johnson, RT Lee Tibbs, RG Tom Schmeling.
Defense -- DE Rashawn Parker, DT Michael Tate, NG Ahtyba Rubin, DE Kurtis Taylor, OLB Jon Banks, MLB Michael Bibbs, OLB Alvin Bowen, CB Chris Singleton, CB Allen Bell, FS Steve Johnson, SS Caleb Berg.
ROSTER REPORT
LB Adam Carper continues to rehabilitate a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will miss the season. Carper suffered the injury in practice midway through last season and the knee has not responded to treatment.
The hiring of a Baptist minister, Kevin Lykins, as the "life skills assistant" sparked some controversy regarding the separation of church and state, though Iowa State players defended the new staff member after meeting Lykins. Chizik says Lykins will serve as a conduit for players to express their feelings and "would never force-feed" religious beliefs.
Chizik informed the media that his policy will be to not disclose injuries except when they are season-ending.

[Nedrick]

A solid report on the 'Clones. Looks like they've done their homework...