Iowa State has shown brief flashes of taking the next step. But being in the thick of the Big 12 has made it tough to get over the hump and find contention. The 2022 season was proof of that, and fans of the program are looking to rebound heading into 2023.
What does this season hold for the Iowa State Cyclones? Let’s look back to a year ago, ahead to the 2023 schedule, and make far too early predictions about how things will shake out for one of the best football teams in Iowa.
How 2022 Went
The 2022 schedule was not kind to the Cyclones. Though things started off hot with a 3-0 record and a tight win over Iowa in Kinnick Stadium, that was the last of the positive thoughts. A 31-24 loss at home to Baylor didn’t seem all that bad but it was just the beginning.
The Cyclones would drop eight of nine after beginning the season 3-0. Granted, they lost very tight games along the way: 10-9 to Kansas State, 24-21 to Texas, 20-14 to Oklahoma State, and 14-10 to Texas Tech. If even two of those swing the other way, the season looks a lot different.
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𝐂𝐲𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭: Director for Student-Athlete Development Justus Jones talks about the program's approach to developing the complete student-athlete.
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— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) May 25, 2023
The 2023 Schedule
The schedule is tough sledding, especially for a team like the Cyclones. Their first test comes in the second game when they host bitter rival Iowa. Other home games include TCU, Oklahoma State, and Texas, but it gets a lot tougher from there.
The road schedule is absolutely brutal. The Cyclones visit Oklahoma, Cincinnati, Baylor, BYU, and Kansas State. That puts a lot of pressure on the Cyclones to win in hostile environments and there has to be a fear that things could begin to landslide beginning on September 23 against Oklahoma.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 ⏳
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— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) May 31, 2023
Breaking Down the Schedule
At first glance, it is hard to feel good when staring down the schedule, especially the road slate. The defense is expected to be good once again. The million-dollar question comes down to whether the offense can get moving under new offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase and get Iowa State wins in those tough situations.
9/2 vs. Northern Iowa: Northern Iowa isn’t a pushover so ISU can’t sleep here. Still, expect a hot start against a bad NIU secondary. Win.
9/9 vs. Iowa: This is always a battle of the defenses, and the 2023 version should be no different. The defense should step up again in a tight win at home. Win.
9/16 @ Ohio: Ohio is the softest game on the schedule. Still, QB Kurtis Rourke is very good and can cause damage. If the Cyclones stay focused, this should be a fairly easy win. Win.
9/23 vs. Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State has been crushed by the transfer portal. This is the time for ISU to take advantage of all the holes, and the home-field advantage, to churn out a fourth win. Win.
9/30 @ Oklahoma: The first “uh oh” of the year. Playing in Norman is as tough as it gets, and they always have a ton of talent. The best ISU can hope for here is a tight contest, but a loss is expected. Loss.
10/7 vs. TCU: This isn’t the TCU outfit that made the national title game. They lost a lot of talent and Iowa State may be the better team on paper. It will be a battle, but this shapes up for a big home win. Win.
10/14 @ Cincinnati: Cincinnati has been trending upward under Scott Satterfield. This is a swing game that the defense can keep close throughout. Home-field could be the difference. Loss.
10/28 @ Baylor: Baylor lost a lot of talent, especially in the trenches and at quarterback. The offensive line is quite good and could create issues, but the Cyclones defense could shine here. Win.
11/4 vs. Kansas: Kansas is no longer a pushover and this one could be a problem. Kansas’ defense gave the Cyclones problems last year and the passing game will need to get on track here. Win.
11/11 @ BYU: BYU is interesting because the offense is talented, but the defense is really bad. If the Cyclones can hinder a gifted Cougars offense, a win is possible. Win.
11/18 vs. Texas: Texas is looking toward the College Football Playoff. Depending on how things shake out, this could be a big game for both teams. Even at home, it will be tough to overcome all that talent and a potent attack led by Quinn Ewers. Loss.
11/25 @ Kansas State: K-State is always very tough to play against. The defending Big 12 champions aren’t quite as strong but always play sound defense and run the ball with authority. Consider this a swing game but it’s a tall task to expect the Cyclones to go into Manhattan and win. Loss.
2023 Record Projection: 8-4
𝘿𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙆
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— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) June 6, 2023
