With a year of the spread offense under its belt the Iowa State offense expects to be more productive this season. Running back Alexander Robinson finished with nearly 1,200 yards in 2009 and says the Cyclone offense should put up a lot of points. Robinson says everyone is more comfortable with the offense, and the person he thinks is the most comfortable is quarterback Austen Arnaud.

Arnaud enters his third season as the starter and would like to close out his I.S.U. career on a high note. He says he’s excited for the season, but says once the season is over, that ends his college career.

Arnaud has been through two coaching changes while at Iowa State and he has operated under three different schemes. He says it’s weird to be a fifth-year senior and say this is his second year in the same offense.

Senior defensive end Rashawn Parker returns after missing most of last season with a knee injury. He says the Cyclones are confident despite the difficult schedule that awaits them. Parker says they have a very challenging schedule, but says it will be a great opportunity and a test to see where they are at.

Parker says a young defense needs to come of age. He says they are eager to work and ready to go, and all they need is experience.

Despite a successful 2009 the Cyclones have been picked to finish sixth in the Big-12 North division race.

Senior center Ben Lamaak says it does not bother him as the Cyclones are used to being overlooked. Lamaak says they have a lot of young guys who are anxious to go out and improve every day, and “the sky’s the limit” as to where the season can go.

The Cyclones open at home on September second against Northern Illinois.