Dec 5, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State running back Breece Hall (28) rushes during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday. Iowa State takes a 21-0 lead over West Virginia into halftime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 31, West Virginia 20
Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 35, West Virginia 14
I just think Brock Purdy is playing too good of football right now to lose in this spot. Mountaineers keep it close for a half then Brock and Co. blow it open in the second half.
Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 30, West Virginia 20
It’s my guess that West Virginia — like everybody else — will load the box in an effort to slow Breece Hall down. That could make this another signature game for Brock Purdy, who has thrown for 11 touchdowns to just one interception in the past five games. WVU will dial-up pressure, too, but Purdy’s efficiency coupled with improved O-line play makes it difficult for me to believe the Cyclones won’t put up ample points. Can the Mountaineers keep up? For a while, maybe, but ISU still rolls to its fourth straight Big 12 win — and fourth straight in the series.
Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 33, West Virginia 17
This game reminds me a LOT of the Kansas State game. An opponent is good but inconsistent with a great runningback who they involve every way they can. But the difference is West Virginia doesn’t have Skylar Thompson (they do have moonshine though, which isn’t nothing). That, to me, is the biggest difference. And because of that, this game progresses a lot like that one unless ISU makes mistakes to let WVU stay in the game.
Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 41, West Virginia 20
West Virginia played well against TCU last week. The key is their running game behind an inexperienced offensive line. That is a tall task against the Iowa State defense. With Brock Purdy playing the most efficient football of his career, I think Iowa State avoids a letdown after a signature win. Perhaps it won’t be the beat down of last season, but I don’t believe this game will be in doubt.
Bret Meyer, Football Analyst – Iowa State 34, West Virginia 14
Brock Purdy is playing the best football of his career. Expect West Virginia to load up in an effort to slow Breece Hall. I see another big day for Xavier Hutchinson on the outside. Defense continues to play at an elite level. Clones Roll.
Todd Blythe, Football Analyst – Iowa State 41, West Virginia 20
WVU fell just 2 days shy of playing the Cyclones outside the month of Brocktober. But, unfortunately for the Mountaineers, #15 will be wearing his cape again this weekend. The Cyclone QB proved again last week that if you load the box to stop the run, he is plenty capable of beating you through the air. I expect another surgical performance from the offense and the defense to continue to dominate. Cyclones cruise in this one.
