By Wendell Barnhouse
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

A daily countdown previewing the upcoming college football season continues. Today: Iowa State Cyclones.

2007: 3-9 overall, 2-6 in North Division, tie for 5th.
Bowl game: None.
Coach: Gene Chizik, 3-9, second season.
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.
Staff changes: None.

Offensive outlook: The Cyclones must replace quarterback Bret Meyer (the school's career total offense leader) and receiver Todd Blythe (the most productive pass catcher in school history). Sophomores Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates basically finished in a tie in the race to replace Meyer. Arnaud was selected to start the season opener but if he doesn't produce, Chizik won't hesitate to give Bates a chance. Sophomore Alexander Robinson came on late in 2007. A strong runner and good pass receiver, he could be Iowa State's offensive anchor.

Defensive outlook: The Cyclones were OK to less than average. Chizik, a former defensive coordinator, will demand significant improvement. In particular, Iowa State needs to improve its secondary. The Cyclones allowed 254 yards passing a game last season. In the air-it-out Big 12, that will get you beat.

Player on the spot: Whoever winds up as the regular quarterback. Arnaud has a bit more experience while Bates provides more of a running threat. Whoever runs the offense needs to juice the passing game. The Cyclones had just nine TD passes last season and averaged an anemic 9.6 yards per completion. There's talent in the receiving corps; somebody has to get 'em the ball.

Player on the rise: Sophomore Alexander Robinson. He's one of three running backs (Jason Scales and J.J. Bass are the other two) capable of producing yards. Robinson, though, has the best combination of talents. If his strong finish to the 2007 season carries over this season, Iowa State might have a running threat to take the heat off its developing quarterbacks.

Number of note: Of the seven coaches at Iowa State prior to Gene Chizik, three increased their victory total in Year Two. The best improvement was Clay Stapleton. The Cyclones sent 4-6 in his first season, 7-3 in his second.

Date book: Iowa State's season could swing on the second half of its non-conference schedule. The Cyclones play at in-state rival Iowa then travel to UNLV. Win those two road games and a 4-0 start is possible. A split wouldn't be bad but losing both could lead to doubts heading into the Big 12 schedule. Once Iowa State gets into league play, it plays eight consecutive weeks.

2008 SCHEDULE