(Campanile, Iowa State University -- KIWA Staff Photo)Ames, Iowa (RI) — Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers says the Cyclones have lofty goals despite preseason projections that place them near the bottom of the Big 12 heading into his first season as head coach.
Rogers says the players carry higher expectations for what this season can become.
It marks the second straight rebuild for Rogers, who inherited 75 new players during his lone season at Washington State. Iowa State’s roster features more than 80 new players this fall.
As game week approaches, Rogers says clock and game management have been a focus in fall camp.
Defensive tackle Max Baloun, who played for Rogers at Washington State last season, says he sees similarities between that team and this one. Washington State finished 7-6 a year ago.
Baloun says the Cyclones aren’t paying attention to preseason rankings.
Sophomore running back Aidan Flora, one of the players who stayed through the transition, says the Cyclones are confident they will be competitive.
Linebacker Caron Willich also decided to stay at ISU for his final season.
Willich says they are not focused on outside expectations.
The Cyclone program is coming off its best run in school history, but Willich says the changes have not slowed momentum.
The Cyclones open the regular season on Saturday, September 5th, at home against Southeast Missouri State.
