Iowa State football: Five reasons Cyclones will rebound this season

Nov 9, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs linebacker Jonathan Anderson (41) tackles Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Sam Richardson (12) as he runs in for the Cyclone touchdown at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

1. Sam Richardson and Grant Rohach have more experience under their belt

Both players had a significant chunk of time last season, although people may not remember Richardson having a big impact because he disappeared in the second half. Believe it or not, Richardson had 29 more pass attempts, and you can’t overlook his first four games of the season. Despite being banged up he had 242 or more passing yards in each game. He had nearly 350 yards passing and rushing against Texas.

Sports fans have short term memory, and that’s why we’ll recognize Rohach’s final two games against Kansas and West Virginia that ended as wins before remembering Richardson’s start which he went 1-3. But now, Richardson looks like a new man after hitting the gym and should be healed up to give things another go.