Can Purdy, Hall and Kolar Lead an Offensive Jailbreak in Ames?

After several years of being on the brink of a breakthrough, Matt Campbells' Cyclones could be Purdy good in 2020. Iowa State is one of the few legitimate contenders to dethrone Oklahoma.

The problem with Iowa State is that they haven't found their fifth gear on offense, which you have to have to be elite in the Big 12. That could change in 2020 with Brock Purdy and Breece Hall both poised to be stars of the league. Not to mention one of the best tight ends in the country, Charlie Kolar, is on the roster as well.

Defensively the Cyclones seems to always be sound, consistent, and ranks with top marks in the Big 12. Led by stand out Defensive Backs Greg Eisworth, Anthony Johnson.

If the Iowa State offense can make another 6 ppg jump from 2019-2020, as they did from 2018-2020, the Cyclones will be in the Big 12 Championship hunt until the bitter end as long as they stay consistent on defense.

Big 12 Media Preseason Poll

Ranked 4th

Over/Under Win Total

6.5

Best Offensive Returners

QB Brock Purdy, KR Kene Nwangwu, TE Charlie Kolar, RB Breece Hall, OL Trevor Downing

Best Defensive Returners

DB Greg Eisworth, DB Anthony Johnson, DL Zach Petersen, LB Mike Rose, LB O’Rien Vance

Newcomers

DB Greg Ross (UNC), DL Latrell Bankston (JUCO)

Breakout Candidates

TE Chase Allen, WR Xavier Hutchinson