STAFF PICKS: Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State

Sep 21, 2019; Austin, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs for yardage in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 41, Oklahoma State 31

A fascinating matchup. I went in depth on this in yesterday’s Thesis (embedded below) but this one comes down to OSU more than ISU to me. I feel like at this point in the year, I am confident in who the Cyclones are. And I like who they are. I do think that Oklahoma State has another gear to show us though and am hopeful that Saturday won’t be the day that it happens.

Jared Stansbury, Staff Writer – Iowa State 41, Oklahoma State 28

I want to see Iowa State get off to another fast start. If they do, I think they can make this another comfortable win. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a back-and-forth shootout though for the first half. In the end, the ‘Clones pull away.

Brent Blum, Columnist – Iowa State 35, Oklahoma State 23

The key here, much like the TCU game, is to get the young OSU quarterback to make mistakes, which he has a propensity to do. So if Iowa State can slow down the run game, I like Iowa State. It’s a young, risk-taking Cowboys defense and Iowa State should be able to get to 30. A lively, Jack Trice crowd rattles the young QB and the Cyclones grind away to put away the Pokes.

Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 42, Oklahoma State 28

Oklahoma State’s frontline talent — Hubbard and Wallace, specifically — is, perhaps, peerless, but the defense can’t stop anybody. Saturday will be no different. The Cowboys will put up points, but Brock Purdy will put up more and despite some tense moments early, ISU wins its record-extending sixth straight conference home game before a sellout crowd at Jack Trice Stadium.

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Oklahoma State 41, Iowa State 33

OSU turnovers are not as probable against ISU who does not force many. ISU’s kicking woes could be huge here. OSU has a marginally worse defense and equal offense, but has not had any issue defeating ISU’a defense which marginalizes any statistical advantage.  Motivation goes to the Cowboys.  I see an equal match up determined in the margins where ISU has struggled.  Edge to OSU.

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 43, Oklahoma State 35

This is the first time in the Campbell era, or in the Iowa State football history books for that matter, that the Cyclones have a team that can win a slugfest or a shootout. This game is likely to be the latter. I have more confidence in Iowa State stopping Oklahoma State at various points throughout the game than the other way around. Turnovers are an equalizer, but I don’t think OSU is disciplined enough with the ball to really take advantage of it. 

Wild game with crazy streaks.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 44, Oklahoma State 36

I’ll admit Chuba Hubbard scares the living daylights out of me for this game. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he approached 200 yards on the ground when it’s all said and done. The good news is, I think the Cowboys will have an equally tough time slowing down Iowa State’s offense. Put me down for a good old-fashioned Big 12 shootout with the Cyclones getting a late touchdown that feels like partial revenge for 2017.

Kirk Haaland, Stats Nerd – Iowa State 38, Oklahoma State 31

Aside from turnovers, Oklahoma State’s offense has performed well… not elite, but pretty well. I think the Cyclone offense will be fine but the game will be decided by the Iowa State defense that has a rushing defense that has slipped in recent weeks. Unless the Iowa State defense forces more turnovers than typical this season or the Oklahoma State offense gives some away as they have recently, this could get more uncomfortable than we’d like.