Illinois State is a huge underdog in this one. Iowa State returns 20 of 24 starters from last year’s team that tied for first in the Big 12 North and beat Miami of Ohio 17-13 in the Independence Bowl.
But the Redbirds have some impressive returnees. Punter Ryan Hoffman was a Division I-AA All-American with his 43.9-yard average. Linebacker Cameron Siskowic averaged 9.7 tackles per game, Brian Thompson for rushed 86.6 yards per game and receiver Laurent Robinson caught 47 passes, seven for touchdowns.
Thompson began his career at Iowa State, gaining 305 yards in two seasons before transferring to Illinois State just before last season.
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In their last two losses to Division I opponents, the Redbirds have piled up some impressive yardage. At Illinois two years ago, they amassed 511 total yards and followed that up last season with 480 yards at Minnesota.
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Next: Saturday at Iowa State, 6 p.m.