If you can for a second, forget everything you’ve heard about Iowa State and entertain a new thought: The Cyclones aren’t really that bad. Sure, they’re destined for a bottom-three finish in the Big 12, but Paul Rhoads’ team has shown some fight since getting blowing out by FCS North Dakota State in the season opener.
How to watch Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Can the (sort of) improved Cyclones pull yet another big upset against Oklahoma State?
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In the week following the NDSU game, ISU nearly beat a solid Kansas State team. The next week, the Cyclones beat Iowa in Iowa City. After that, they were blown out by Baylor, but it wasn’t even close to as bad as the previous year. The point is, Iowa State isn’t good, but the team looks like it’s getting better. Does that mean there could be an ISU upset of Oklahoma State this weekend, just like in 2011?
Of course, the circumstances are different. That Iowa State team was a bit better and that OSU team was a lot better, but Iowa State might have a chance to pull the upset. It probably won’t happen, but it’s also probably not as unlikely as you might think.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Our sites on these teams
Game time: Noon ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online streaming: Fox Sports Go
The numbers
Rankings and records: Oklahoma State is 3-1, and the Cowboys are ranked 21st in the AP Poll and 23rd in the Coaches Poll. Iowa State is 1-3 and unranked.
Vegas: Oklahoma State is a 17-point favorite at home. The over/under is 65.
Weather forecast: 60 degrees and clear at kickoff.
Two things at stake
Is Oklahoma State a dark horse Big 12 contender? A big win would make the Cowboys’ case more convincing.
Iowa State probably isn’t going bowling this year, but a win or a close loss would keep the faith in Ames that things are headed in the right direction under Paul Rhoads, and that this is just a down year.
One big matchup
Oklahoma State offense vs. Iowa State defense: Iowa State has really struggled defensively this year, ranking 99th nationally, according to Football Outsiders. The secondary has struggled in particular, and that’s bad news against an offense led by Daxx Garman that’s been very efficient. Garman has thrown just two interceptions this year, and Iowa State will definitely need a few turnovers to pull the upset. Iowa State will move the ball, and the Cyclones will get some points on the board. However, they’ll need to make some stops if they’re going to have a chance to keep up.
Further reading
Read Cowboys Ride For Free for more on Oklahoma State and Wide Right & Natty Lite for more on Iowa State.
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