What Is 2016 Iowa State Cyclones football

Overview

The 2016 Iowa State Cyclones football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Big 12 Conference. It marked the final season for head coach Paul Rhoads, who was dismissed after eight years at the helm following a 3–9 campaign.

Despite high hopes entering the season, the Cyclones struggled offensively and defensively, managing only three wins. However, a notable upset victory over rival Iowa provided a highlight in an otherwise disappointing year.

• 3–9 overall record: The team finished with just three wins, including a season-opening 31–24 victory over Northern Iowa, a 31–14 win against Iowa, and a 30–14 upset of West Virginia.
• 2–7 in Big 12 play: Iowa State’s conference record reflected ongoing struggles against league competition, with only two wins in nine conference games.
• Paul Rhoads’ final season: After compiling a 38–55 record over eight seasons, Rhoads was fired in November 2016, ending his tenure as head coach.
• Jack Trice Stadium: The Cyclones played all home games at their 61,500-seat stadium in Ames, Iowa, drawing an average attendance of around 57,000 per game.
• Quarterback rotation: Sam Richardson began the season as starter, but injuries led to Kyle Kempt taking over, who threw for 749 yards and five touchdowns.

Season Performance

The 2016 campaign was defined by inconsistency on both sides of the ball, with Iowa State failing to build momentum despite a promising start.

• Offensive struggles: The team averaged 20.5 points per game, ranking 107th nationally, with inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of explosive plays.
• Defensive shortcomings: Allowed 30.8 points per game, ranking 110th in FBS, with particular vulnerability against the pass.
• Win over Iowa: A 31–14 victory on September 10 marked only the second win in the series since 2004 and boosted early-season morale.
• Upset of West Virginia: A 30–14 win on November 12 snapped a 23-game losing streak to ranked teams and was the program’s first such win since 2009.
• Running game: Senior running back James White led the team with 528 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 138 carries.
• Receiving corps: Allen Lazard, then a sophomore, emerged as a standout with 67 receptions for 809 yards and seven touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2016 season to recent years highlights both progress and persistent challenges for the Cyclones program.

The 2016 season mirrored 2015 in record but stood out due to wins over ranked and in-state rivals. While the win-loss tally didn’t improve, the victory over West Virginia signaled potential under new leadership. Matt Campbell, hired in November 2016, would soon transform the program, making 2016 a transitional year between eras.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season, while not statistically successful, played a pivotal role in shaping Iowa State football’s future direction and leadership decisions.

• End of an era: Paul Rhoads’ dismissal marked the conclusion of a tenure that saw limited success but laid groundwork for future improvements.
• Hiring of Matt Campbell: His arrival from Toledo in November 2016 initiated a cultural shift, leading to sustained bowl eligibility in subsequent years.
• Player development: Allen Lazard and others gained critical experience that contributed to later team success under new coaching.
• Program momentum: The upset over West Virginia proved the Cyclones could compete with ranked teams, boosting recruiting and fan engagement.
• Transition year: 2016 served as a bridge between underperformance and the beginning of a more competitive era in Ames.
• Historical context: The win over Iowa snapped a five-game losing streak in the rivalry, rekindling hope among the Cyclones’ fanbase.

Though the 2016 Iowa State Cyclones finished with a losing record, the season’s outcomes and coaching changes set the stage for future progress, making it a crucial chapter in the program’s modern history.