STAFF PICKS: West Virginia

Oct 12, 2019; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Ray Lima (58) tackles West Virginia Mountaineers running back Kennedy McKoy (6) during the third quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 27, West Virginia 13

A terrible “spot” for the Cyclones considering the following: Coming off of an emotional win, West Virginia on extra rest/prep and Senior Day. I truly believe that if Iowa State wins, the Cyclones will end up in the Fiesta Bowl (even with a loss in the Big 12 title game). There is so much to play for here. The Cyclones will be razor sharp mentally. 

Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 31, West Virginia 17

I have a lot of respect for what Neal Brown and his staff are doing so far in Morgantown and this team has exceeded my expectations this season. The Mountaineers’ defensive line will be one of the biggest challenges of the season for the ISU offensive front, but I think this team will be dialed in. They know what is at stake.

Rob Gray, Staff Writer – Iowa State 24, West Virginia 20

West Virginia hasn’t played since Nov. 14. What else is new? The Cyclones facing teams coming off long COVID-19-related layoffs has been a staple of the 2020 season. What impresses me the most about the Mountaineers — no matter how long it’s been since they’ve played — is the defense. In their latest game, they held TCU to just six points and less than 300 yards. WVU’s defense is one of the best — and statistically THE BEST — in the Big 12 and the offense is capable of achieving balance behind Jarret Doege’s arm and Leddie Brown’s legs. So I expect another tight game. Give me the ‘Clones to close out a historic regular season. Dallas, here we come. 

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 28, West Virginia 17

WVU is solid, especially defensively. If ISU can throttle the run game, they should be able to grind out enough scoring drives to pull this one out.  A win is important.

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 34, West Virginia 13

Black jerseys. Senior night. A win to seal the conference outright. Finals and school have been done for a week, so it’s been all ball, all the time. What other outcome could come from Campbell, Heacock, Manning, and this tough-as-nails team? 

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 34, West Virginia 23

We don’t need no stinkin’ tiebreaker.

Kirk Haaland, Contributor – Iowa State 31, West Virginia 23

Playing for history. This team is different. West Virginia is still tough but I don’t see a letdown performance though it won’t be easy.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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