At least one college football preview magazine says the high expectations surrounding the Iowa State football program are justified. Phil Steele’s College Football Preview calls the Cyclones a dark horse in the Big 12 race. ISU has 16 starters back from last year’s team that finished 8-5 after a loss to Washington State in the Alamo Bowl, making the Cyclones one of the nation’s most experienced teams.

Iowa State has posted four wins over ranked teams the past two seasons and Steele says the key this season will be the toss-up games.

Steele says the start of the Big-12 race will be crucial. Iowa State opens league play with three of four games away from home.

Steele says Cyclone hopes for a trip to the Big-12 Championship game may come down to home games against Texas and T-C-U.

The Cyclones open August 31st against Northern Iowa.