Iowa State football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Baylor in Week 11
Iowa State football appears to be on the fast track towards a Big 12 Championship appearance, but can Baylor throw a wrench into those plans?
Going into Week 10, Iowa State has entered unfamiliar territory for many fans. With the meat of the Cyclones schedule behind them, their last remaining challenge on the schedule is a matchup with Texas in Austin next weekend. For now, however, Iowa State turns their attention to a Baylor team that is fresh off a huge victory over Oklahoma State and is now only one win away from bowl eligibility.
Iowa State comes into the game riding the right arm of true freshman quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been nothing short of spectacular in his four career games. His favorite target has easily been junior receiver Hakeem Butler, who has shown incredible dominance while replacing Allen Lazard. The Cyclones defense has done its job as well, slowing down teams such as Texas Tech and West Virginia.
It’s been a pleasantly surprising season for Matt Rhule’s crew in Waco. The Bears currently sit at 5-4 and 3-3 in the Big 12 and with a win this weekend, would reach bowl eligibility, something many Baylor fans didn’t think would happen after last season. Sophomore quarterback Charlie Brewer has done a solid job for the Bears, boasting an impressive 2-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His favorite target has been former Tennessee running back and converted receiver, Jalen Hurd.
Here’s where to find this Big 12 battle on Saturday:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 10
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Location: Ames, Iowa
Venue: Jack Trice Stadium
TV: FS1
Live Stream: FOXSportsGo and FuboTV
Keys to Victory
Iowa State has ridden the right arm of Brock Purdy and will continue to do so in this game against the Bears. The combination of Purdy to Hakeem Butler has been one of the most dominant in all of college football. David Montgomery will also likely be a large part of Iowa State’s game plan as Baylor has been allowing a hair over 190 yards per game on the ground. The Cyclones defense will need to get pressure on Charlie Brewer as well.
It’s going to be a tough road trip for Baylor, playing in an intimidating environment like Jack Trice Stadium. Charlie Brewer will have to get in a rhythm early to help cancel out the effects of the crowd and Baylor’s defense will have to step up, on average allowing just over four touchdowns a game. If they can slow down an explosive Iowa State offense, the Bears could very well find themselves bowl eligible.
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of OddsShark
Line: Iowa State -14 1/2
Over/Under: 51
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Predictions
The weather will not be on the side of Baylor on Saturday, as the high temperature is forecasted to be 29 degrees, and under Matt Campbell, the Cyclones have excelled when the temperatures turn cold. Iowa State’s punishing brand of football on defense and their now-explosive offense will have the Bears tired and cold as the Iowa State will continue their march for a spot in Dallas come Dec. 1.
Prediction: Baylor 20, Iowa State 45