The No. 2 Baylor Bears play for their ninth consecutive Big 12 win Saturday when they host the Iowa State Cyclones in Waco. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET, with television coverage on ESPN and streaming coverage on WatchESPN.
How to watch Iowa State vs. Baylor on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The No. 2 Bears and upset-minded Cyclones clash in Waco. Here’s how to see it.
The Bears, known for their explosive aerial attack in recent years, have established one of the nation’s most potent rushing offenses in 2015. The Bears are second nationally in rushing offense, with three halfbacks combining for nearly 1,600 rushing yards. It’s not just a running team, of course: Baylor leads the nation in scoring offense, total offense, and passing efficiency.
Iowa State had hoped to rebound from a two-win 2014 campaign, but those hopes are quickly fading. The Cyclones are 2-4 with wins over FCS opponent Northern Iowa and Big 12 doormat Kansas, but the two opponents that Paul Rhoads' team defeated last season -- Iowa and Toledo -- have already beaten the Cyclones, and the meat of the Big 12 awaits. Freshman halfback Mike Warren has been the breakout star of the season, with 652 yards on just 93 carries this season.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Noon ET, ESPN
Radio: Baylor and Iowa State affiliates available
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Baylor by 37.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Wide Right & Natty Lite (for Iowa State fans) and Our Daily Bears (for Baylor fans).
Three big things to know
Seth Russell: The Heisman contender you don't know. Baylor quarterbacks are not usually below the Heisman radar, but in a year dominated by running backs, Seth Russell is representing for the signalcallers. Russell has thrown for more than 1,900 yards so far this season, leads the nation in passing efficiency, and completed 27 touchdown passes against just 5 interceptions. But it's Russell's ability to run that has set him apart, with his 8.2 yards per rush contributing to a ground game that has made the Bears unstoppable.
Corey Coleman: the other Heisman contender you don't know. Sixteen of Russell's 27 touchdown passes have gone to one man: Corey Coleman, the junior receiver who leads Baylor in every receiving category. Coleman has four more touchdowns than TCU's Josh Doctson in one fewer game. Troy Edwards' single-season touchdown record, which stands at 27, could be in jeopardy if Coleman can keep up the pace.
Paul Rhoads is in trouble. The seventh-year Iowa State head coach has everything that Iowa State wants in a head coach: He was born just south of Ames and grew up in suburban Des Moines, and he’s been loyal to the school through his tenure. The only thing missing: winning. In the last two and a half seasons, Rhoads has gone 7-23 overall and 3-18 in the Big 12. A bowl bid looks impossible with the remaining schedule, and Iowa State’s patience might just run out.
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