Iowa State football has become the darling of college football, rocketing to No. 15 in the playoff poll, but can it survive against West Virginia?
Iowa State is in the midst of one of the most historic runs in program history. The Cyclones went a perfect 4-0 in the month of October, a month that began with an upset of then-No. 3 Oklahoma on the road and ended with another upset of previous No. 4 TCU at home. Matt Campbell has changed the culture in Ames and no one has embodied this turn around more than senior quarterback Kyle Kempt, who went from a third-string quarterback to becoming a Cyclone legend.
Meanwhile in Morgantown, quarterback Will Grier has led the Mountaineers to a 5-3 record as he has flourished in Dana Holgorsen’s system. However, West Virginia is coming off a rough 50-39 loss to Oklahoma State as Grier threw four interceptions that hurt the Mountaineers chances immensely. Holgorsen and company look to give Iowa State all they can handle as they face a ranked opponent for the second week in a row.
Here’s where to watch this Saturday’s matchup:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Morgantown, W.V.
Venue: Milan Puskar Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
The Cyclones go on the road this week with all eyes focused on them and a huge target on their back. Matt Campbell will have to rally the troops after an emotional victory to keep this historic streak alive.
The X-factor for Iowa State will be running back David Montgomery. Montgomery comes into the game leading the Cyclones with 716 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. This could spell big trouble for West Virginia, as their rush defense comes into this weekend’s game ranked 106th in all of FBS. There is a very real possibility that Montgomery plays his best game of the season so far on Saturday.
Will Grier has been the measurement of West Virginia’s success this season and Saturday will prove to be no different. The Mountaineers rank eighth in the country in total offense averaging 515.4 yards per game in the high-flying Big 12. They face off against an Iowa State defense that is ranked 32nd in total defense and is led by senior linebacker Joel Lanning, who has been an iron man for the Cyclones.
Another match up to lookout for is the one between West Virginia receiver David Sills and Iowa State corner Brian Peavy. Sills is the Mountaineers most explosive receiver, averaging 15.9 yards per reception and leads the nation in receiving touchdowns with 15. Peavy is arguably the Cyclones best corner back with two interceptions and six pass break-ups. This will be a one-on-one matchup to watch all day.
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Prediction
West Virginia will be ready as another ranked foe comes into Milan Puskar Stadium. Will Grier and the Mountaineer offense will put up points on the Cyclone defense. Unfortunately, West Virginia’s defense can’t stop Kyle Kempt and David Montgomery enough to win this game as the Cyclones continue to control their destiny in the Big 12.
Prediction: Iowa State 42, West Virginia 41