Iowa State football: Five reasons Cyclones will rebound this season

Nov 2, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones offensive linesman Tom Farniok (74) prepares to snap the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

5. The offensive line can’t be as injured as it was last year

It was a comedy of injuries last season on the offensive line. Just about every single week saw a retooled offensive line with new starters. You could have all the talented skill players in the world, but it won’t mean a thing if the quarterback is getting pressured constantly, if there are no holes for running backs to get through, and if wide receivers have to do all the work to beat their man downfield.

There was some excruciating bad luck with the O-line last season, and one would expect to see a little more continuity there. Just by the nature of the position you’ll see the most injuries there, and last year was about as bad as things could get for a team. There’s no way that bad luck returns this season.