Iowa State Football: 3 bold predictions for Cyclones in Fiesta Bowl

Iowa State football takes on Oregon today in the Fiesta Bowl and here are three bold predictions for the Cyclones who are looking for a statement win.

For Iowa State football, it’s hard to understate what a big deal it will be to play the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl Saturday.

For the Ducks, it’s more routine, although winning the Pac-12 championship and playing in a major bowl game should always be viewed as an accomplishment, it’s old hat for the Ducks compared to Iowa State football which is making its first ever major bowl appearance.

The Cyclones played in the Peach Bowl a long time ago but that was before it was part of what’s known as the New Year’s Six. And this will be the first time Iowa State football has played in a bowl game on or after New Year’s Day.

Iowa State came within a few points of winning the Big 12 championship, but did beat Texas and Oklahoma this season. Oregon got into the Pac-12 title game with a 3-2 record and shocked the unbeaten USC Trojans thanks to forcing three turnovers.

Now both teams have a chance to put an exclamation point on their season in Glendale and here are three bold predictions for the Cyclones and Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl.

Breece Hall has a day

Breece Hall has been exceptional for Iowa State football this season rushing for 19 touchdowns and averaging 5.9 yards per attempt as he gained 1,436 yards on the ground. He will be the key in this game for the Cyclones.

The Ducks have an athletic defense but they held just one opponent under 20 points and allowed three teams to score 29 points or more. Also, Oregon allowed 4.2 yards per rushing attempt and more than two rushing touchdowns per game.

Hall is one of the Cyclones best players but he’s gone three games without reaching 100 yards. If Iowa State is going to find its groove in the Fiesta Bowl, Hall had to find his and behind an underrated offensive line, I think gets over 100 and scores twice.