There’s optimism in Ames as Iowa State prepares to open this football season on the heels of back-to-back winning seasons and bowl games. Coach Dan McCarney met with the media today and says he’s impressed with the work the players have done in the offseason. The Cyclones will play 13 games this season, including the opener against fourth-ranked Florida State. One big change announced today by McCarney is the move of running back JaMaine Billups to strong safety. McCarney says moving Billups to defense is an experiment. With a top quarterback coming back, McCarney says the biggest question mark is the offensive line. The Cyclones open the season against Florida State in the Kickoff Classic in Kansas City August 24th.