Cyclones report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel

SPRING OBJECTIVES
Quarterback is the most high-profile position battle at Iowa State, though coach Gene Chizik showed he was willing in his first season to alternate two different players at that position. Austen Arnaud is the returnee with experience, though Phillip Bates will get his opportunities. Defensively, the Cyclones must replace rangy tackler Alvin Bowen, but a solid nucleus is formed by seven returning starters. Developing depth is key. Iowa State was outscored 192-114 in the second half last season.

BUILDING BLOCKS
Winning two November games helped establish some confidence entering spring practice. RB Alexander Robinson was partly responsible for the late surge, rushing for 391 yards over the last four games. The strength of Iowa State could be on the edge, where DE Kurtis Taylor was in on 6 1/2 sacks last season and DE Rashawn Parker was credited with 10 tackles for loss. LB Jesse Smith flourished as a walk-on last season, recording 79 tackles as a redshirt freshman.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Iowa State gets to let out a big sigh of relief every two years when Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech aren't on the schedule. The Cyclones have a better opportunity against the other three programs from the Big 12 South, particularly when Baylor and Texas A&M have new coaches. Two non-conference trips is a rarity these days for FBS teams, but Iowa State travels to Iowa and UNLV before playing host to Kansas in its conference opener.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We are trying to better ourselves in every way from the ground up. Everybody's looking to coach better, say it better and teach it better." -- Iowa State coach Gene Chizik.