Betting the Big 12: Week 9

The Oklahoman-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLCIt’s been a great year for Cyclones in the NFL, and I feel so bad for Breece Hall. One thing I know for sure is that he will come back stronger. But what I realized while watching NFL ball last weekend is that it’s amazing how far we have come from a player development standpoint. Allen Lazard is the #1 wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, and about the only pass catcher that Aaron Rodgers won’t throw under the bus. David Montgomery helped lead the Bears to an upset win over the Patriots on Monday night. Brock Purdy took his first snaps for San Francisco. Breece was going to win offensive rookie of the year. Charlie Kolar is getting healthy. Matt Campbell and co have developed so many playmakers in the last few years. Seeing these guys play so well at the next level is an important important dose of reality for Iowa State fans when we see the offense struggle this year. It’s not just that we graduated some good players. We basically lost as much talent as anyone outside of the SEC. It takes time to build up again. The good news is we have a proven track record of doing it. The growing pains are evident, but we will build a great offense again.

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