Iowa State Football: Brock Purdy looks to build on Week 4 win vs. Baylor

Baylor invites the Iowa State football to Waco, Texas, for a Saturday afternoon gridiron battle. Here’s a preview, prediction and how to watch.

Both the Baylor Bears and the Iowa State Cyclones open their Big 12 seasons this Saturday afternoon at McLean Stadium in Waco, Texas. Both the Cyclones and Bears are coming off of non-conference wins, but their victories couldn’t look any different.

The Iowa State Cyclones pummeled UL-Monroe 72-20 at Jack Trice Stadium. They played particularly ornery last week, after their one-point loss to the rival Iowa Hawkeyes. It wasn’t that they lost the Cy-Hawk trophy again this year; it was the way they lost. The Cyclones didn’t even get an opportunity to win the game because they muffed a punt.

So, they decided to take all that frustration out on the Warhawks, setting school records for total offense, and quarterback Brock Purdy set records for passing.

The Baylor Bears were shut out in the second half of a 21-13 win against the Rice Owls. The Bears are very fortunate the Owls have yet to learn the intricacies of the forward pass. If the Owls could actually throw, Baylor might have been in trouble. Baylor comes into the game undefeated in hopes of keep that streak alive.

Here’s how to watch:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Waco, Texas
Venue: McLane Stadium
Watch: ESPN
Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For both the Bears and the Cyclones, they have to find more consistency in the running game. The Cyclones haven’t found a replacement for David Montgomery. Junior running back Kene Nwangwu is the team’s leading rusher, but he’s only had 12 carries this year.

They’ve used a running back by-committee so far this year, but not having that bell-cow back has hurt the Cyclone offense — well not against ULM — and someone needs to step up. Charlie Brewer was the team’s leading rusher last season, and fortunately they’ve found some better options, but none that really scare you.

Defensively, both teams have looked outstanding. Baylor has looked great on defense, but it hasn’t been against anyone special. Iowa State was fantastic on defense against their rival Iowa Hawkeyes even in a losing effort. This will be a game of strength on strength. Baylor’s defensive line is much improved, while Iowa State boasts one of the best offensive lines in the country.

This game will come down to who can hold their own upfront, and if Iowa State can find someone to carry the load in the running game.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of Bovada

Line: Iowa State -3.5
Over/Under: 55

Prediction

If this game comes down to the kicking game Junior Connor Assalley is one of the most reliable kickers in the country. He’s only missed one kick this year while the Bears have attempted one field goal between two kickers. That may have a lot to do with who they’ve played, and they haven’t needed three points. The unsung match up is between Baylor’s improved offensive line and Iowa State’s front seven that will come up with a myriad of ways to get to Charlie Brewer

Take the under in this grudge match. Since I’ve picked the Cyclones to finish ahead of the Bears in the Big 12, I’ve got Iowa State here.

Final Score: Iowa State 24, Baylor 17