Good Cop: Zander White
Iowa State enters its Nov. 9 matchup against Kansas with something to prove after losing to Texas Tech by a score of 23-22 in week 10.
The Cyclones looked shaky, likely due to the poor weather conditions. Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks recorded 122 yards on 25 carries and reached 4,000 yards in his career as a Red Raider.
Under the direction of defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, the Cyclones have given up 165.1 yards per game, good enough to rank 93rd nationally. The rushing game has been an issue for the Cyclone defense, and the trend will likely continue against Kansas.
Kansas enters Saturday’s matchup with a 2-6 record after recording the worst start by a Big 12 team that started in the AP Top 25 preseason poll. A handful of the Jayhawks’ losses came in the fourth quarter, most notably against UNLV, West Virginia and the Sunflower Showdown against Kansas State.
The Jayhawks are easily one of the best 2-6 teams with Jalon Daniels at quarterback, Devin Neal in the backfield and the combination of wide receivers Quentin Skinner, Lawrence Arnold and Luke Grimm on offense.
Grimm leads the Jayhawks with 38 receptions and 429 yards. On defense, cornerback Cobee Bryant has recorded 17 tackles and four interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.
In order to pull out a win, Iowa State needs to get the ball rolling early. Another three-point first-half comparable to the Sept. 28 Houston game won’t cut it. Both teams are evenly matched in first-half points: the Jayhawks have an average of 15.3 to the Cyclones with 13.4.
Should it come down to a field goal margin, I wouldn’t want the ball to come off of Kyle Konrardy’s foot from 45 yards or further. The Cyclones will win but by a slim margin in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.
Final Score: Iowa State 31, Kansas 28
Bad Cop: Stephen Schwartz
The Cyclones suffered a gut-wrenching 23-22 loss to Texas Tech, where a last-minute touchdown shattered their perfect season. Now 7-1, the Cyclones’ ranking has tumbled from No. 11 to No. 17, and they face yet another tough challenge as they head to Kansas City, Missouri.
On the surface, the Jayhawks may seem like an easy matchup, sporting a lackluster record with six losses. But here’s the reality: five of those six defeats have been decided by less than a touchdown.
Kansas proved they can compete after blowing out Houston and nearly upsetting Kansas State before losing on a last-minute field goal. This team has shown resilience and the Cyclones can’t afford to overlook them.
Kansas’ offense is nothing to underestimate. Quarterback Daniels and running back Neal have powered a high-octane offense.
Although the defense has been shaky, allowing more than 29 points against Big 12 opponents outside of Houston, the ability to keep pace offensively poses a real threat.
Last week, Iowa State’s offense let too many opportunities slip away. Despite two critical interceptions from the defense and a drive that reached the one-yard line, it came up short, and the Cyclones settled for a field goal after penalties stalled their momentum. If they can’t capitalize on turnovers, they’re in for another difficult game.
This isn’t just any road game. Kansas may be close to Ames, but the crowd in Kansas City will be largely hostile, adding another layer of difficulty for a Cyclones team desperate to recover from last week’s heartbreak.
Taking a quick look at the Big 12 standings, Iowa State isn’t the only team that stumbled. Kansas State also picked up a second loss, keeping the Cyclones in the race.
But let’s be blunt. If Kansas’ dynamic duo finds its rhythm and Iowa State’s offense struggles again to turn defensive takeaways into points, another upset could be on the horizon.
A second consecutive loss would not only push the Cyclones out of the Top 25 but also severely hurt their Big 12 Championship chances.
Score Prediction: Kansas 30, No. 17 Iowa State 27
