CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Iowa State preview

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Iowa State Cyclones

Cyclones shall surge, so sayeth the Sage

College Football: The New Century

'99: 4-7, 1-7 Big 12

Coach

Dan McCarney (sixth season, 13-42 overall)

Key offensive players

Sage Rosenfels, QB, Sr.
His confidence should be soaring after breakthrough junior season.

Ben Beaudet, G, Sr., Ben Bruns, C, Sr.
Return of both projected starters from post-concussion syndrome will be critical for ISU's developing line.

Chris Anthony, WR, Sr.
Possession receiver who serves as Rosenfels' first option on most passes (37 catches, 432 yards in '99)

Key defensive players

Reggie Hayward, DE, Sr.
Dominating pass rusher who must improve his run-stuffing skills.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Troy Davis, RB 1994-96
"Twice a 2,000-yard rusher, never a Heisman winner."

Brightest Moment: The Cyclones' 54-0 rout of Oklahoma State on the final day of the 1971 season in Ames to clinch their first postseason berth.

Lowest Moment: Iowa State was ranked 11th in the country -- highest in school history -- before losing its 1981 game at Kansas, starting a four-game losing streak.

Ryan Harklau, NG, Sr.
Inside defensive playmaker hoping to rebound after injury-riddled junior season.

Key newcomer

Stevie Johnson, LB, Sr. Standout on ISU's Elite Eight hoops squad should see immediate playing time in his first football action since high school.

Throwback player

Nobody questions Ryan Harklau's toughness after the nose guard returned to action in a month last season after breaking his ankle.

21st century player

WR/KR J.J. Moses -- Breakaway threat will be the Cyclones' top speed threat as a returner or receiver.

Fast fact

Cyclones are looking for their first bowl berth since 1978 -- longest drought among all Big 12 teams.

Outlook

The return of Rosenfels, who surprised many observers with his strong play last season, will help in the first season of the post-any-Davis era for the Cyclones. McCarney says he has his fastest, deepest and strongest team since his arrival. They'll need to be, considering the tough Big 12 schedule in the works. The Cyclones need to learn how to finish off victories after blowing late leads against Texas, Kansas State and Kansas last season. It also won't hurt to increase production along the offensive and defensive fronts. But keeping Rosenfels healthy might be the biggest single factor in determining whether the Cyclones can make a legitimate run at a bowl game.

-- Tim Griffin