Big 12 Preview - Iowa State

Our number 5 prediction for the Big 12 North is Iowa State. Gene Chizik parlayed last year’s victories against Kent State and North Dakota State into a higher-profile job at Auburn. Let’s let that sink in for a minute. Cyclone coaching legend Dan McCarney, who turned the program into a competent BCS program, is LHAO, showing people his National Championship ring at Florida. Iowa State got back at Auburn for stealing their coach by hiring their fired defensive coordinator, Paul Rhoads. The last hire with Auburn DC ties worked out so well for the Cyclones. It’s Rhoads first head coaching gig, and he inherits 15 starters from last year’s team. I don’t know if that’s a good thing. I see the Cyclones going 4-8 this year, with wins against North Dakota State, Kent State, Army and Kansas State. I used to refer to Iowa State as Baylor North, but that’s insulting to Baylor.