Iowa State Football: Cyclones hope to break open Big 12 race

Iowa State football will host arguably its biggest game ever, when TCU comes to town in Week 9. A Cyclones win would throw the Big 12 into chaos.

The Cyclones currently sit in a four-way tie for second place in the Big 12 at 3-1. TCU leads the race at 4-1, with a road win over Oklahoma State on its resume.

Entering on a three-game conference winning streak, Iowa State is playing with a ton of confidence. It’s only loss in conference play is a Thursday night setback at home to Texas on Sept. 28. The Cyclones turned heads with an impressive 38-31 win over Oklahoma in Norman three weeks ago.

Kyle Kepmt is providing solid quarterback play for the Cyclones. Kempt threw three touchdowns in their 31-13 win over Texas Tech in Lubbock last Saturday. Iowa State rolled up 400 yards of offense and the defense is playing well also. Marcel Spears Jr.‘s 61-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the upset.

Cyclones coach Matt Campbell has injected a new-found enthusiasm into the folks from Ames. The Cyclones enter as 7-point underdogs to the Horned Frogs, but two of their past three wins have come as underdogs.

When watching today’s game unfold, one of the keys will be third downs. TCU, and quarterback Kenny Hill are converting 59 percent its chances. Iowa State is last in the Big 12 in third down defense. The Cyclones must get TCU off the field on third down to give themselves a shot at pulling the upset.

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Needless to say, this game is one of many on today’s college football slate. However, it has the makings of being as competitive and entertaining as any out there. If Campbell’s Cyclones can pull some more magic out their hats, the local joints will be hopping in Ames tonight. No matter the outcome, Jack Trice Stadium should be electric.

Chaos in the Big 12 race? Why not?