Based on recruiting data of ISU and our opponents, ISU should be a 5-7 team each year. Right now ISU out recruits KU, 2 non con teams, KSU and Texas Tech. WVU and ISU were starting to get closer on talent level but WVU was still ahead.
ISU has a really good coach that can win with lower talent level. I think CMC will really have to work some magic this season with the OL and DL in the shape it is in to get to 7 wins this year. @clonedude is absolutely right about the lines. DL needs a big time presence up the middle, I hope that guy was recruited. OL needs instant help from a grad transfer.
If ISU wins 8 games this season, CMC should be Big 12 coach of the year no matter what. I am going in with the expectation of 6-6 and hoping 7-5. I have ISU starting out 4-1, beating SD, UNLV, KU and Tech. Losing to OSU and OU. Beat KSU, lose three straight to TCU, Baylor and Texas. Finish the season at home with a win against WVU for bowl eligibility.
Such a defeatist attitude. Name a Midwest school that hasn't had elite success at least once in the last 15-20 years. It's not like Iowa or Kansas State or Wisconsin or Mizzou or Minnesota or Northwestern or Okie State or.. is some impossible standard.