The Cyclones have lost 10 straight heading into 2009, giving them the indubious distinction of having the nation's longest losing streak heading into the season. Former head coach Gene Chizik, one of the nation's top assistant's before taking the ISU job, bolted for Auburn following the end of the season. Luckily, the Cyclones 'stumbled' into Paul Rhoads, from nearby Ankeny, via defensive coordinator at Pitt for eight seasons and Auburn (coincidence, eh?) for one. Rhoads is an ISU grad and reportedly wowed the higher-ups at his interview. The new coach also hired coordinators who should be able to make the 'Clones immediately competitive. Tom Herman (a MENSA member) ran the Rice offense that turned Chase Clement into a stud. Wally Burnham, who ran the stout and strong defense at South Florida for years, leaves Tampa to come to Ames. Last season, the Bulls were 10th in the nation in defense.

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The Cyclones are devoid of speed. That is the one thing they are lacking to compete consistently in this league. Junior QB Austin Arnaud has started the last two seasons and seems to like the intricacies of the new spread offense. The O-line returns four starters, and there are two capable tight ends, giving Rhoads the ability to have Herman implement more double-TE sets (as he would prefer to do). The defense has six starters back, but finished 95th against the run, 116th (fourth-from-worst) against the pass, 112th in total yards allowed and 109th (almost 36 ppg) in scoring defense in 2008. The Cyclones are going to a zone-blitz system that offsets their speed deficiencies. ISU allowed 34 points or more in nine of its last 10 games.

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