STAFF PICKS: Kansas

Oct 24, 2020; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter II (8) runs away from Kansas State Wildcats defensive back AJ Parker (12) during the first half of a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 41, Kansas 7

First things first, Iowa State needs to win the game. Once that is no longer in doubt, this is a great opportunity for the Cyclones to work on some things and build depth for a Big 12 championship run. Don’t overthink this one. Cyclones big.

Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 45, Kansas 10

Iowa State is clearly vastly more talented than Kansas. I expect the Cyclones to come out running the ball early and often with success. Breece Hall has a big first half before Matt Campbell hands the keys to Hunter Dekkers and the Cyclones’ second-team for a portion of the second half.

Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 38, Kansas 17

Everything about this matchup points to a rare ISU blowout win. That’s why I can’t pick it as such. The Cyclones should be able to get well offensively after a rough week against a very good Oklahoma State defense, but I’m not convinced there still won’t be a couple of head-scratching mistakes that allow the Jayhawks to get going a little bit, especially late. Matt Campbell doesn’t give one rip about style points. Just try to stay healthy, emerge victorious and move on. So I foresee a comfortable and mostly satisfying win, but not a roughly 30-point beatdown as Vegas is predicting.

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 37, Kansas 17

Kansas does a few things that ISU cannot stop. Namely, their QB can buy time and extend plays. ISU, without pressure from 4 or a blitz package, is vulnerable to qb run/delay pass/extended throws. The KU defense can get some pressure, but the secondary cannot hold up. If ISU turns it over and doesn’t get pressure, then KU could make this closer than it should be. Note: KU has been awful coverage teams.  But, ISU rarely returns anything. All that said, Kene Nwangu will house one.

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 33, Kansas 7

Kansas is really bad. But there are some things to look for. It’s an opportunity for Brock to get comfortable in completions with receivers other than Hutchinson or a TE. Let anyone else get some love. It also lets the young half offensive line get some more one-on-one opportunities. The betting line is huge so I’m gonna take a 26 point win instead of a 30+ point win. Nail biter. 

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 45, Kansas 10

In Halloween terms…

Iowa State = The person on the block handing out individually wrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Kansas = The person on the block handing out leftover Tootsie Rolls their children collected from the 4th of July parade.

Kirk Haaland, Contributor – Iowa State 38, Kansas 13

Talent and situation lends this game to being a 55-10 type game in Iowa State’s favor. But given how Matt Campbell coaches and if the expectation happens of the offense working out some kinks and toward building some confidence and experience for the young wide receiver group, I think the reality is the score will be much closer even if the result is never in doubt.