From SI Article:
Which Under-the-Radar Team Will Emerge as a Surprise Playoff Contender?
Axson: A lot has to happen for Iowa State to get any sort of national traction, but with the way the Cyclones play defense—especially in the defensively-challenged Big 12—they could make a serious run. A few obstacles stand in their way: First is a home date with Iowa on Sept. 14. They should be favored in every other game leading up to back-to-back November games with the conference’s heavy hitters in Oklahoma and Texas. Iowa State probably needs victories in all three games to get on the radar.
Shapiro: We may be diving into the longshots bin, but don’t be shocked if Iowa State is lurking near the AP Top 10 by midseason. The Cyclones boast one of the nation’s sturdiest coach and quarterback combos with Matt Campbell and sophomore signal-caller Brock Purdy, and their schedule is favorable in the first half. The Cyclones host TCU and Oklahoma State, avoiding two tenuous road trips. Iowa State doesn’t play Texas nor Oklahoma until November, and a win at Baylor on Sept. 28 could set Purdy and Co. on track for a 7–0 start heading into a matchup at Oklahoma on Nov. 9. Iowa State is likely to fade by season’s end; it may still creep toward the Playoff in the early edition of the rankings.
Link: https://www.si.com/college-football...-picks-heisman-hot-seat?utm_source=reddit.com
Which Under-the-Radar Team Will Emerge as a Surprise Playoff Contender?
Axson: A lot has to happen for Iowa State to get any sort of national traction, but with the way the Cyclones play defense—especially in the defensively-challenged Big 12—they could make a serious run. A few obstacles stand in their way: First is a home date with Iowa on Sept. 14. They should be favored in every other game leading up to back-to-back November games with the conference’s heavy hitters in Oklahoma and Texas. Iowa State probably needs victories in all three games to get on the radar.
Shapiro: We may be diving into the longshots bin, but don’t be shocked if Iowa State is lurking near the AP Top 10 by midseason. The Cyclones boast one of the nation’s sturdiest coach and quarterback combos with Matt Campbell and sophomore signal-caller Brock Purdy, and their schedule is favorable in the first half. The Cyclones host TCU and Oklahoma State, avoiding two tenuous road trips. Iowa State doesn’t play Texas nor Oklahoma until November, and a win at Baylor on Sept. 28 could set Purdy and Co. on track for a 7–0 start heading into a matchup at Oklahoma on Nov. 9. Iowa State is likely to fade by season’s end; it may still creep toward the Playoff in the early edition of the rankings.
Link: https://www.si.com/college-football...-picks-heisman-hot-seat?utm_source=reddit.com
