This is one of the trickier games to project as the Bears are one of the most improved teams from the Big 12, but Iowa State, too, has improved drastically over the past few years.
Matt Rhule has turned Baylor around after a rough couple of years following some off-field issues which cost Art Briles his job. He brings back Charlie Brewer for his junior year after passing for 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last season and the offense figures to be in the top-half of the Big 12 yet again, if not top-three range.
For Iowa State to win this one, it’ll need to take advantage of the Bears’ mediocre defense which ranked 86th in the nation last year, allowing 425 yards per game. Brock Purdy can be the guy to take advantage and he’ll do just that, passing for 330 yards.
The Cyclones will have a tough time slowing down the Bears’ offense, though, and that could lead to their first loss of the young season.
This is a game I think Iowa State should win, but it’s easier said than done.
Final Score: Iowa State 31, Baylor 35 (3-1, 0-1 Big 12)