Cyclones look to Barnett to end skid

(16) Barnett has taken over as the starting
 QB for the Cyclones replacing (2) Jantz 

I don't even know where to start. The season so far has been a disappointment. It's hard to believe that four weeks ago, the Cyclones were on the cusp of being nationally ranked in the Top 25.

After Iowa State won its first three games of the season, they have since dropped the past four and the road doesn't get any easier. The Big 12 is arguably one of the best conferences in the FBS with 6 out of the 10 team in the Top 25. The Cyclones have consistently struggled offensively and the defense has been good but, not good enough to stop the high powered attacks of Baylor, Texas, Missouri, and Texas A&M.

The biggest story coming out of Ames this week is that Jared Barnett, a redshirt freshman, will be Iowa State's starting quarterback against Tech on Saturday. Head Coach Paul Rhoads made the announcement after the A&M game. Barnett replaced Steele Jantz after the second possession of last Saturday's game. Jantz threw a pick on the first play of the game and a three-and-out on the second possession.

Barnett finished the day completing 16 of 36 passes and led the team in rushing with 66 yards. He looked very confident against the 17th best team in the country. Rhoads praised Barnett's ability to read the zone defense A&M presented on Saturday. CPR also said that Barnett is familiar with the Iowa State offense, because played under a similar system in high school. Barnett did not turn the ball over once during the game, something that Jantz had been struggling with this season.

At the start of the season, Rhoads said Barnett was very impressive during the preseason. Ultimately Jantz was the favorite and it appeared Rhoads was a genius after the 3-0 start. I wonder how many people have unliked the Facebook group, "Steele Jantz for Heisman"?

Barnett in. Jantz out...for now at least.

Look for the ISU vs Texas Tech Preview on Friday.

-MVW