Oklahoma football: How does the Big 12 stack up behind OU in 2018?

By Chip Rouse | Jul 30, 2018

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 11: Oklahoma Sooners fans cheer during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated TCU 38-20. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 07: Running back David Montgomery /

No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones (6-6, 4-5)

Iowa State was easily the most surprising team in the Big 12 last season, improving by five total wins and four wins in the Big 12 alone, including a major road upset over Oklahoma and a win at home over second-place TCU.

Kyle Kempt returns for another season at starting quarterback, and in junior running back David Montgomery, the Cyclones have the Big 12’s second leading rusher from a year ago.

One of the big reasons Iowa State enjoyed such success last season was the superb play of the defense, which allowed 5.4 yards per play. With six defensive starters back in 2018, there should not be much drop off on that side of the ball.

Iowa State will be a tough out for every Big 12 team again this season. They have to go on the road to play TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas, but they get OU at home (on the third weekend of the season) along with home dates hosting West Virginia and Kansas.

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