10 teams that will take the next step after big win in bowl game

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 11: Running back David Montgomery (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

4. Iowa State

7-5 (5-4)

Liberty Bowl: Cyclones vs. Memphis, Saturday, Dec. 30

There was optimism in Ames that Iowa State would be very competitive in head coach Matt Campbell’s second season, perhaps even flirting with bowl eligibility. However, few would have predicted the Cyclones would beat two top-five teams, Campbell would become one of the hottest coaches in the country, and he would decide to sign a contract extension to stay with the program instead of pursuing other opportunities at more prestigious schools.

Sure, Iowa State limps into the Liberty Bowl with three losses in its last four games, including a 20-19 heartbreaker at Kansas State in the regular season finale. And yes, Memphis is one of the most dangerous Group of Five teams in America on any field, not to mention in their own home stadium. Understandably, the 10-win, No. 20 Tigers are favored to win. Nevertheless, Iowa State is more than capable of pulling off another upset and setting themselves up to make things even more interesting the Big 12 title race next season.

Zeb Noland completed just 54.5 percent of his passes for 533 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in limited duty, but the rising sophomore should bring some consistency to the position in 2018. Noland won’t have NFL caliber receiver Allen Lazard to throw to, but Hakeem Butler, a 6-foot-6 wideout who caught 36 passes for 586 yards (16.3 yards per reception) and six touchdowns, is an even bigger target capable of becoming an All-Big 12 selection. The same can be said for running back David Montgomery, who ran for 1,094 yards and 11 TDs as a sophomore and is poised to become a household name.

The defense must replace several key contributors as well, including Iron Man Joel Lanning and defensive back Kamari Cotton-Moya, but Campbell is dedicated to building something special in Ames. After seeing the progress the Cyclones made in 2017, it’s very possible Iowa State develops into a mainstay in the top half of the Big 12 standings.

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