Staff Picks: Kansas Jayhawks

Nov 2, 2019; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Carter Stanley (9) hands off to running back Pooka Williams Jr. (1) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 45, Kansas 10

The Jayhawks are a much better football team than we have seen in the past but after watching their last couple of games, I suspect that Kansas has run out of gas at this point in the season. Iowa State has not. It wouldn’t shock me if this is a decent game in the first half but I fully expect the Cyclones to pull away in the third and fourth quarters to secure a comfortable win on Senior Day.

Jared Stansbury, Staff Writer – Iowa State 42, Kansas 14

I know the Jayhawks have improved in some areas this season, but I just find it hard to believe they are ready to come into Jack Trice Stadium on Senior Day and compete, especially considering they lost their seventh game last week and are out of bowl game competition. ‘Clones start fast, Re-al Mitchell helps them finish fast.

Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 42, Kansas 13

I expect a strong start — and a big day for Breece Hall and Johnnie Lang. Unless Kansas is able to get Pooka Williams going, the Cyclones’ defense should clamp down on the Jayhawks. I’m calling a workmanlike drubbing.

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 34, Kansas 24

Kansas desperation will be hard to control early. They are much better at putting together a four-quarter effort.  I expect pressure all day and how Iowa State handles that pressure will dictate their effectiveness.  A dangerous game that I believe will be close, but Iowa State should pull it out when the chips are down.

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 44, Kansas 16

Kansas just picked up their 7th loss of the season last week, so they’re mathematically done. The faint purpose of making that first bowl game in so many years is gone. They’ve also never really been familiar with how to win. Mix those two emotional situations together and that gives the recipe for them to not care anymore. Smack Kansas early and by the second half, they’ll get to “eff this” mode. Plus, Kansas’ defense is just awful so ISU will score how they want. And you can’t tell me that Kansas is going to put up a ton of points against this defense. 

I just don’t see how this gets close.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 35, Kansas 17

The talent disparity will be too much in this game for Iowa State to lose, however, I don’t think it will be a blowout. Look for some trickery and possibly a forced turnover or two from the Jayhawks early in the game that will keep it close at halftime, followed by an our-depth-is-better-than-your-depth performance in the second half from ISU to win by two or three touchdowns.

Kirk Haaland, Stats Nerd – Iowa State 38, Kansas 20

Kansas has surprised at times this season with some offensive outbursts but overall their offense has struggled to move the ball but has scored punts at a very good rate as the near the red zone. Senior day can seemingly boost or paralyze performances but I don’t suspect bad things this week. Control Pooka on defense and limit mistakes on offense and Iowa State should win comfortably.