Iowa State Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2018
The Cyclones return to Ames just in time for a huge matchup with West Virginia that might have huge Big 12 Championship implications on the line. The Mountaineers knocked off the then 14th ranked Cyclones in Morgantown last season 20-16.
West Virginia might well be one of the most improved teams in the country in 2018. Quarterback Will Grier returns for his senior season and could be a Heisman Trophy darkhorse for some. The Mountaineers also return two of their top three receivers from a year ago in Gary Jennings and 2017 touchdown receptions leader David Sills. This team is definitely the most talented in Dana Holgorsen’s tenure, and the expectations in Morgantown are sky-high.
This will be another battle in the Big 12 for the Cyclones as West Virginia could very well be a top-10 team by the time they visit Ames. Cyclone Nation as whole will be ready and rowdy for a top-10 matchup and may need some “Hilton Magic” to make its way to Jack Trice. Unfortunately, the veteran leadership of the Mountaineers will prove to be the difference maker.