Cyclones prep for in-state showdown
No. 10 Iowa State has been a popular sleeper pick for the College Football Playoff. The Cyclones barely looked awake in their season-opening 16-10 win over Northern Iowa.
This week’s matchup against No. 12 Iowa will likely require a bigger offensive outburst after watching Iowa dismantle Indiana 34-6.
But don’t expect too many fireworks. The Hawkeyes haven’t allowed more than 24 points in a game since November of 2018.
Iowa State, meanwhile, has mastered the second-half adjustment. In their last six games dating back to last season, the Cyclones have allowed just 16 total second-half points. They’ve shut out their last two foes (Northern Iowa and Oregon) in the second half.
Points will be a premium.
Keys for Iowa State
Veterans day: Matt Campbell’s squad had many players come back for their senior years instead of jumping to the NFL draft. Quarterback Brock Purdy is now in his fourth year as a starter in Ames, and he needs to do better than his 199 passing yards in the season opener versus Northern Iowa.
Home cooking: Cyclone faithful will have to have Jack Trice Stadium loud from the onset to spur on a team that seems to sleep-walk through early-season matchups as evidenced by its 16-10 win Saturday.
Keys for Iowa
Keep the mo going: The Hawkeyes left no doubt who could push to the top of their Big Ten division with their drubbing of potential Top 10 sleeper Indiana. A win in Ames sets Iowa up for potential top 10 votes next week.
Ball security: Iowa lost two fumbles in its win over the Hoosiers, and more than likely the Hawkeyes are going to have to play clean football with Jack Trice Stadium humming on Saturday.
Prediction
Iowa State 20, Iowa 10