Sep 28, 2019; Waco, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones offensive lineman Trevor Downing (52) blocks Baylor Bears defensive end Niadre Zouzoua (97) during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 31, Baylor 14
I’ll back the Cyclones here. A win would put Iowa State at 5-1 in the Big 12 heading into a bye before hosting K-State in two weeks.
Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 34, Baylor 21
I envision this game being close throughout the first three quarters before the Cyclones tack on a score late to make it look more comfortable. Baylor’s offense has been poor so far this season, but the defense has been solid (in all facets besides stopping the run) despite how many players were lost from last year’s stellar group. Don’t be surprise if Breece Hall pushes the 200 yards mark again on the ground.
Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 31, Baylor 20
Charlie Brewer and the Bears will have a few big plays up their sleeve, which could make this game tense, especially in the first half. But the Cyclones should control the line of scrimmage and grind away throughout. Efficient game for Brock Purdy. Another strong performance by Breece Hall. The defense does the rest, clamping down when it matters most.
Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 27, Baylor 13
Baylor is average and has struggled on the offensive line. Therefore, the opportunity exists for the above average Cyclones to distance in this game. However, ISU can get exposed when their game plan isn’t right. I expect another statement game from Breece Hall and continued under performance in the passing game with a steady effort from the defense. That makes a 14 point line dead on in my opinion.
Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 27, Baylor 19
Baylor is essentially the quality of Texas Tech but slanted towards defense. If ISU minds their P’s and Q’s, they’ll be fine. The thought/fear I have is that the book is out on how to stop the Cyclones and it is brought to you by the number eight *insert Sesame Street song.* Teams are going to bring pressure and try to stop 8, 28, and 88. So far no one has been successful at 28, but the attempt has been successful in stifling ISU’s offense on multiple occasions. I think ISU is good enough to work around that and their defense is solid, especially against a struggling defense in Baylor (who gave up 30 straight against TCU). But it may not be especially pretty.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 24, Baylor 20
Even though Baylor appears to have taken a step or two back after Matt Rhule jumped to the NFL, they still have the pieces to pull the upset if Iowa State isn’t at the top of its game. The teams the Bears have lost to (West Virginia, Texas, TCU) are all solid and the margins of victory in those games haven’t been blowouts. The Cyclones are the better team in this one, but I’m expecting another close battle that will require Iowa State’s special teams to be *ahem* not terrible in order to secure a victory.
Kirk Haaland, Contributor – Iowa State 30, Baylor 17
Baylor has experienced a rocky start to the season with the schedule but they have also had a rough go of things on the field. Their defense has actually been very impressive in limiting opponent yards and points but the offense has let them down, dramatically. I’m not sure if the offense is struggling solely due to the coaching change or Charlie Brewer but the talent is definitely there to find points. The Iowa State fear is that it will start clicking for the game with the Cyclones, but in reality the Iowa State defense has been rock solid all season. I wouldn’t expect to be comfortable the entire time, but I do think the Cyclones win and move on to the last third of the season with everything on the table.
