DALLAS – Iowa State must shore up the rush defense. More explosive running plays is important. Getting more from the offensive line is also a priority.
But arguably the biggest change for the Cyclones won’t be visible on the field. It resides in the locker room where coach Paul Rhoads tried to overall the culture of the program this off-season.
And Rhoads is hoping a more close-knit team will help bring back the wins and bowl games that were common in his first four seasons.
“There is a chemistry,” Rhoads said. “There is a closeness. There is a change in culture that is more direct to 2009 to 2012 and that excites me and I think that excites the players.