West Virginia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Phil Poling
The Iowa State Cyclones finished 3-9 a year ago, only good enough for ninth in the Big 12. Heading into 2017, there’s still some shuffling of the roster going on, most notably senior Joel Lanning’s position change.
After playing 11 games at quarterback in each of the past two seasons, Lanning will be moved around in 2017 to best help the Cyclones win. He’s thrown for over 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career, but could see time at H-back and even linebacker on defense.
Replacing Lanning at quarterback will be 6-foot-4 junior Jacob Park. He came in at No. 16 on our “Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017” list, and will no doubt have a favorite target on the field.
Related Story: Top 50 Breakout Candidates for 2017
The Cylcones best wide receiver is without a doubt senior Allen Lazard. A three-year starter, Lazard’s compiled nearly 2,500 yards and amassed 16 touchdowns — all while being the biggest threat on the field. Lazard’s legacy is bigger than just one season as you can tell. He’s second all-time at ISU in catches (170) and touchdowns, and his 2,418 yards rank third among Cyclone receivers.
More: Is Allen Lazard the best wide receiver in the country?
Don’t expect the Mountaineers to stop Lazard, but they will contain him. Even if he has a big day, the offense will still be rolling from their success against Oklahoma State. One thing WVU football’s lacked in recent yeaars is balance within the offense. Will Grier and the combination of Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy give the Mountaineers that. Plus, Cyclones don’t stand a chance in these West Virginia hills.