2008 OUTLOOK: Whatever improvement Iowa State manages this season will be a testimony to second-year coach Gene Chizik and his staff. The Cyclones will look to new playmakers on offense, with the exception of RB Alexander Robinson, who didn't showcase his potential until late last season. The Cyclones must move the chains and possess the football over longer periods to keep their defense from withering. Still, they face an uphill climb as the only Big 12 team without a quarterback with starting experience. Don't expect any huge strides. Another last-place finish in the North Division is altogether possible.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Breakdowns along the offensive line during the spring game suggest Iowa State still has much work to do to mold that unit, which was a disappointment in 2007. The line, which returns four starters, is key for the Cyclones to develop a more consistent ground game, something Chizik has listed as a primary goal while naming RB Alexander Robinson his primary back. The battle at quarterback between Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates remains unsettled, leaving open the possibility the Cyclones will use both.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The front seven must improve, which could be difficult following the loss of rangy tackler Alvin Bowen. His replacement, LB Jesse Smith, will be looked to for leadership, though the Cyclones' biggest concern probably rests with the development of its line. The loss of two tackles, Athyba Rubin and Bryce Braaksma, are most critical after the Cyclones ranked a respectable seventh in total defense in the Big 12 last season despite spending far too much time on the field.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Of all the disappointing statistics Iowa State recorded last season, one of the worst was the yardage it averaged on returns. An 18.5-yard mark on kickoffs and 3.2-yard mark on punts ranked as the worst in the Big 12. Some of the struggles to score points can be attributed to weak returns since the Cyclones offense often confronted a long field. P Mike Brandtner returns, but must improve on a 39.4-yard average.

ROSTER REPORT

--RB J.J. Bass was suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team rules, which coach Gene Chizik said did not include "any brushes with the law." Bass was limited last season by a shoulder injury after rushing for 100 yards in two of the first four games.

--Two returning starters, DE Rashawn Parker (wrist) and S Chris Brown (undisclosed), sat out the spring game. Parker did not participate in contact drills during the spring. Others who sat out the spring game were TE Derrick Catlett, DE Nick Frese, WR Alex Sandvig and CB Zac Sandvig.

--Although he won't be eligible to play until 2009 because of NCAA transfer rules, RB Bo Williams expressed his satisfaction with his move to Iowa State from Florida. "Here, you carry the ball 30-some times a game," he said. "I love this offense. I want to pound it."

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