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Some sports journalists call this “the obit,” a season-ending wrap-up story about a team that we cover throughout the season. The term pre-dated me, believe it or not, but in this case and with deep respect to the wonderful journos I’ve done my best to follow, I’m switching this one up a little.
In Iowa State football’s season-ending instance, this is about a rebirth – the continued progress of a program that has the personnel to keep trending positively when the Big 12 re-defines itself (some would say for the worse) in 2024.
I say this despite the team’s 10-point loss in the Liberty Bowl against a Memphis team that, quite honestly, was better than I, and possibly even the Cyclones, thought it would be.
Record-setting quarterback Rocco Becht is back. Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins return to lead a receiver position that again should be very good. Tight end Ben Brahmer is a returning star tight end.
Jarrod Hufford’s social media announcement Monday means the entire starting offensive line returns. That’s 90 starts among them, a positive no matter how you cut it. We all saw how badly the Cyclone linemen were out-strategized during the bowl game, but for the most part I’d call their 2023 play under new position coach Ryan Clanton an upgrade from the previous season. Running it back for 2024 should produce even more improvement.
The return of freshman All-American quarterback Rocco Becht is one of many reasons Iowa State football should continue to have success in 2024.
The defense is loaded with young players who played significantly – including six freshmen who started against Memphis and eight who started during the season.
With the biggest parts of the offense returning, especially in the passing game, Iowa State should throw the ball more, particularly earlier in games. Treat every game like it’s…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/peterson-theres-no-reason-think-113059485.html
Author : The Des Moines Register
Publish date : 2024-01-04 11:30:59
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