Could it be? Could Iowa State be headed toward an offense that includes more passes?
Returning quarterback. Top receivers are back. So is a tight end who’s among the nation’s finest. And the Cyclones picked up a transfer-portal receiver who appears to have a lot of talent.
Let’s put it this way: A freshman All-American quarterback and his top targets (plus one) aren’t just filling roster and sideline space.
More: Peterson: 2023 is Matt Campbell’s best season as Iowa State football coach
Don’t think Air-Raid. That’s not happening, nor should it in a program that includes star sophomore-to-be running back Abu Sama, a wonderful rookie recruit named Dylan Lee, and a portal transfer.
Given that Rocco Becht no longer is a rookie quarterback, and given that his receivers have proven to be good, the Cyclones certainly enter the spring phase in March with more passing-game confidence than they had at this time last year.
Does that translate to more passing attempts during a 2024 season that includes seven home games, plus a possible Iowa State-Kansas game at Arrowhead Stadium (due to construction on the Jayhawks’ Memorial Stadium)?
The Cyclones’ passing offense was solid last season. Against nine conference opponents, they averaged 243.0 passing yards a game, ranking sixth in the 14-team Big 12.
Rocco Becht’s return, plus a loaded receiver group, means Iowa State’s offense should be improved next season.
With everyone who’s returning, plus Army transfer receiver Isaiah Alston, Nate Scheelhaase’s offense should be a significant upgrade from 81st nationally in 2023.
Higher focus on passing is just an assumption, but given that the top four receivers return – Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Ben Brahmer and Daniel Jackson – that’s got to be appealing to a veteran quarterback. Statistically, that’s 67.6% of the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/peterson-iowa-state-football-transfer-113913013.html
Author : The Des Moines Register
Publish date : 2024-01-23 11:39:13
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
