Ranking Iowa State’s Football Schedule

It’s becoming a new trend for the Cyclones in a redesigned Big 12 conference. Now having to face all the former southern division foes each year (with some additions and subtractions, of course), the strength of schedule has been one of the highest in the country. Put in a visit from a Conference USA favorite Tulsa and an always-tough road trip to Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, and there’s no wonder why CBS Sports has our latest strength of schedule ranking at 12th.

For those interested, Notre Dame holds the highest ranking while Michigan State and Michigan respectively go two and three. In general, the Big 12 doesn’t have a high strength of schedule right now like last season. ISU ranks the highest, obviously for its brutal non-conference. Kansas comes in second with 22nd overall.

So what teams will be easiest to toughest as the Cyclones try to head to a third bowl game under Paul Rhoads? Here’s my best guess:

1. Western Illinois – Only winning two games last season and getting outscored by 229 points, it doesn’t matter how much this team’s improved. By far, this is the easiest game on the schedule.
2. Kansas – They have a lot of rebuilding to do, it’s back to the Jayhawks team we used to know and love.
3. Texas Tech – After a bye week from their scrimmage against WIU, Iowa State should be fresh and well-prepared for the conference opener.
4. Baylor – It’s going to be a big drop after RGIII’s departure, but it’s the proverbial “trap” game being sandwiched between the Oklahoma games.
5. Iowa – Regardless of how bad the Cyclones play in Iowa City, this is one of the more favorable matchups on the schedule.
6. Tulsa – Fans should expect by now that the opening games are never easy. This one is twice as hard.
7. Kansas State – Quarterbacks that can throw is a huge weakness for ISU this season, and Collin Klein is the second-best QB in the conference.
8. Oklahoma State – This should be an easier team this season, but the revenge factor and playing on the road will be tough.
9. Texas – With one of the best defenses in the nation, the Cyclones will likely struggle running the ball. They can’t struggle running the ball and win.
10. TCU – They’ve been a BCS contender for years now, and they match up well against the Clones going to the air with Casey Pachall. He had 25 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions last season.
11. West Virginia – Words can’t explain how excited I am for this tailgate on Black Friday.
12. Oklahoma – I don’t really care where the Cyclones are playing the Sooners. They’re not beating them (while secretly hoping they are this year’s big upset).

Disagree? Believe a team should be higher or lower? Let us know what you think.