Just when it looked like Iowa State was in complete turmoil, abruptly firing offensive coordinator Mark Mangino, the Cyclones went and shut out Texas, 24-0. That should never happen, as Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads even admitted, and Rhoads took it as a sign that the Cyclones are headed in the right direction. That better be true, because things get much tougher than Texas -- particularly for the ISU defense -- right off the bat against Oklahoma.
How to watch Iowa State vs. Oklahoma on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Oklahoma has a potential trap game before its final stretch.
The Sooners looked like co-favorites in the Big 12 with Baylor and TCU until losing to none other than Texas, and while OU definitely has some catching up to do, this team is still dangerous. The Sooners have a win at Tennessee and absolutely dominated Texas Tech and Kansas State, but they have yet to face TCU, Baylor or still-undefeated Oklahoma State. The Iowa State game is the last tuneup before that gauntlet.
Could ISU spoil another comeback story and mount a comeback of its own? The Cyclones’ defense was incredible against Texas, and the offense has a new quarterback in Joel Lanning, so there could be an opportunity to build on all the newness that we saw against the Longhorns.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU
Radio: Iowa State, Oklahoma
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Oklahoma is favored by 26 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Wide Right & Natty Lite for Iowa State fans and Crimson And Cream Machine for Oklahoma fans.
Three big things to know
1. What exactly did Iowa State do differently on defense against Texas? Whatever it is, the Cyclones need to do it again. That performance was out of nowhere, but if ISU is going to bounce back in a big way this season, that defense needs to return against Oklahoma and everyone else.
2. Is there any chance Oklahoma overlooks this game? The final three games on the schedule are basically their own playoffs to get to the College Football Playoff.
3. The Iowa State offense is still pretty new with the changes at coordinator and quarterback. Could that give the Cyclones an advantage?
See More:
