January 30, 2002 - Folks around the nation are starting to become familiar with Iowa State as they have seen the Cyclones acquire bowls bids for the second straight season. The 2002 version of head coach Dan McCarney's vision will revolve around senior QB Seneca Wallace, who completed a Big 12-record 18-straight passes against Baylor Sept. 29, and has been named the 2001 Big 12 Conference Offensive Newcomer of the Year by The Associated Press. Not only can Wallace pass, but he was ISU's second leading rusher gaining 663 yards. According to Nebraska's defensive coordinator he's like trying to tackle the wind. He's got the agility of a guy like Eric Metcalf. Then you add in his ability to throw. They are going to need him again. Finding a replacement for big All-American tailback Ennis Haywood will be the major question on most Cyclones fan's mind this spring. Wallace will have the luxury of having his leading receiver and team captain, Lane Danielson back again. The biggest loses however will come up front as the Cyclones lose two HUGE All-Big 12 offensive linemen. With only two starters back on the line and the star tailback missing there is going to be more pressure placed on the hands of Wallace. Defensively, the unit will revolve around the team's leading tackler Matt Word from his middle linebacker spot. The team finished second overall in Big 12 in pass defense. Much of that success was due in part to Adam Runk who picked off 4 passes last season. He is gone, but all three of the remaining starters do return in the secondary. The key on defense is going to be solidifying the front wall against the run. For as good as the pass defense was, the run defense finished 88th in the country in run stuffing. Big backs seemed to have a field day pounding the ball last season. The Ames faithful should once again be looking forward to another successful season in 2002. Iowa State has won 16 of its last 23 games, the school's best streak over that span since 1979, and has won 12-straight non-conference regular season games. Coach Dan McCarney has alot of momentum and one of the nation's best pass/run quarterbacks. They are going to find out quickly what they've got, as they have agreed to play FSU in the Eddie Robinson Classic August 24th. Smart man's money would have to go with another non-New Year's day bowl prediction.