Randy Peterson

rpeterson@dmreg.com

Sports oddsmaker Danny Sheridan doesn't like Iowa State's chances this football season.

According to his calculations, he ranks the Cyclones fifth among his ranking of the 10 worst teams in college football.

"What do you call a team that gave up 36 points per game and is going to have three new starters in the secondary? You call 911," he wrote in a lengthy explanation. "Perhaps playing in an actual cornfield can slow down opposing offenses, as the Cyclones yielded 5.4 yards per carry and a whopping 33 rushing touchdowns."

Sheridan, who formerly worked for USA TODAY Sports, did praise Iowa State's wide receiver assets and offensive line.

But he summarized, "Better days are ahead for Iowa State, but unfortunately this year, those days aren't Saturdays."

Ouch.

But all's not lost for an Iowa State team picked to finish ninth in the Big 12. Sheridan ranked Kansas right behind worst-team leader California.