AMES, Iowa (AP) For decades, Iowa State's slogan could have easily been "first in tailgating, last in the Big 12."

The Cyclones appear to be on the verge, finally, of being known more for their play than the pre-game scene in Ames.

Iowa State (8-5 in 2017) is coming off its best season since it went 9-3 in 2000, and the Cyclones look like they could be even better in 2018. Iowa State will bring back the core of a defense that ranked among the Big 12's best a year ago, and quarterback Kyle Kempt and running back David Montgomery give the offense a pair of veteran anchors.