Tom Manning’s blueprint for success is all over the Iowa State offense in 2020. Behind Manning’s play-calling and his mentoring of the Cyclone tight end units, the Cyclone offense rank as one of the best and most diverse in the Big 12 Conference and nationally. Under Manning’s direction, the Cyclones are averaging a modest 437.6 yards of total offense per game and 34.4 points per game. Both totals are on pace to rank among the best offenses in school history. The ISU school record for points per game is 33.5 set way back in 1976. When you look closer, the Cyclone offense has been impressive when you consider their big-play ability. Iowa State is second in the Big 12 and 17th nationally in yards per play (6.5), a total on pace to break the school record. Nine times this season the Cyclones have rattled off a play of 40+ yards, including four 60-yarders. Against Big 12 competition, the Cyclones have been better, leading the league in yards per play at 6.9. The strong Iowa State rushing attack has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. With four offensive lineman who had never started a game prior to the season, Iowa State leads the Big 12 and is 18th nationally (minimum five games) played in rushing yards per game at 205.2. Five times this season ISU has eclipsed the 200-yard rushing plateau in a game. The squad is averaging a whopping 5.64 yards per rush, the best clip in the Big 12 and fourth nationally among teams playing at least five games. The Cyclones have scored at least two rushing touchdowns in every game this season, one of five teams in the nation who have played at least five games to do so.
