Writes CNN in a round-up article:

And then there is Paul. The senator from Kentucky vows to be this cycle’s Iowa surprise.

His team believes Paul’s support is underestimated in the polls. Plus, it’s counting on a not-so-secret weapon: Iowa’s colleges are in session this caucus day. The last two caucuses were during winter break.

Students for Rand has a goal of turning out 10,000 students statewide. One organizer said the group had closer to 6,000 students who had signed up for the effort — perhaps short of the goal, but still a healthy number.

And the Paul campaign this week is calling on another weapon: Ron Paul, the candidate’s dad.

The Republican former congressman has been largely absent from the trail this year, but is headlining a caucus-eve rally next Sunday at the University of Iowa.

Ron Paul ran a strong third here in 2012, with 22% of the vote.

The Rand Paul campaign hopes he can energize his old network, as well as help his son energize the college students.

Team Paul says a strong showing here would send Rand Paul on to New Hampshire with a breeze at his back.

But if he falls short, he could face serious pressure to end his campaign.

His Senate seat is also on the ballot this year, and some Republicans back home and in Washington have suggested that Paul invest more time and energy on that race.

He has resisted, insisting he still has a path in the presidential race. Iowa’s vote could help settle that debate.