Iowa State thrived a year ago by limiting mistakes and coach Matt Campbell says that will be a key to the upcoming season.
The Cyclones have lofty expectations heading into Saturday night’s opener against South Dakota State.
Campbell says the formula for success is no different this season.
Campbell says the Cyclones need a great week of preparation against a South Dakota State team that comes in ranked third in FCS after getting to the semifinal round of the national playoffs a year ago.
Campbell says every team is different and how this one handles adversity will help determine how successful this season is.
True freshman Mike Rose will see time at middle linebacker in the opener. The native of Brecksville, Ohio is one of three players competing to take over the spot vacated by Joel Lanning.
South Dakota State coach John Stiegelmeier says one of Iowa State’s strengths is its focus on fundamentals. The Jackrabbits visit the Cyclones on Saturday night in the season opener for both.
South Dakota State opens ranked third in the FCS Poll after making it to the semifinal round of the national playoffs in 2017. This will be their first game against an FBS foe since a 59-41 loss at TCU in 2016.
South Dakota State lost its top two receivers from a year ago but dual threat quarterback Taryn Christion returns to lead an offense that averaged more than 37 points per game a year ago.
Kick off is at 7:00 pm at Jack Trice Stadium.
