Rhoads' Cyclones One of Most Improved Teams In America

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State, bowl eligible for the first time since 2005 under head coach Paul Rhoads, plays at Missouri Saturday at 1 p.m. Win or lose, the Cyclones are one of the most improved teams in America.

ISU's defense under veteran defensive coordinator Wally Burnham has held a trio of Big 12 teams to 10 points are less. It marks the first time an ISU defense has held three conference opponents to 10 or less points in a season since 1965.

Most Improved Among NCAA Football Programs with First-Year Coaches

Coach, School	2009	2008	Win +/-
Paul Rhoads, Iowa State Steve Sarkisian, Washington Gene Chizik, Auburn Brady Hoke, San Diego State Dave Christensen, Wyoming Rich Ellerson, Army Bill Snyder, Kansas State	6-5 3-7 7-4 4-6 5-5 4-6 6-5	2-10 0-12 5-7 2-10 4-8 3-9 5-7	+4 +3 +2 +2 +1 +1 +1

Most Improved NCAA Football Teams Nationally in Wins

Team	2009 Record	2008 Record	Win +/-
Idaho SMU Iowa State Temple Ohio Washington MTSU Stanford Auburn Central Florida UL-Monroe Michigan San Diego St.	7-4 6-4 6-5 8-2 7-3 3-7 7-3 7-3 7-4 6-4 6-4 5-6 4-6	2-10 1-11 2-10 5-7 4-8 0-12 5-7 5-7 5-7 4-8 4-8 3-9 2-10	+5 +5 +4 +3 +3 +3 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2

Iowa State University Athletics

Rhoads' Cyclones One of Most Improved Teams In America

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