Football

Staff Picks: Oklahoma Sooners

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 27, Oklahoma 24

The problem for Iowa State is that the Cyclones appear to be pretty banged up. Oklahoma has been dealing with coaching rumors all week. Iowa State’s locker room – I suspect – will be “up” and ready to play in defense of heavy criticism that Matt Campbell received over the last week regarding comments he made in a press conference. I could really see this going either way but if Oklahoma wasn’t ready to get up for last week, I’m not sure they will against Iowa State.

Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Oklahoma 35, Iowa State 34

I have a hard time seeing this game be anything but close. Oklahoma will surely jump out to an early lead then the Cyclones will come storming back. It will depend on if Iowa State can win a 50/50 situation when it comes time to make a play late in the game.

Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 36, Oklahoma 35

Purdy to Kolar. Two-point conversion. As time expires. 

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 32, Oklahoma 29

Oklahoma gets out to a lead. Everyone gets sick of hearing “Boomer Sooner” after every 3-yard play on second and 8. Then Iowa State starts to make a ferocious comeback. Andrew Mevis drills one from 40+ to complete the comeback.

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Oklahoma 31, Iowa State 27

No momentum going into this for either club. If I am OU I am worried because inconsistency is what ISU feeds on. But, ISU cannot slow start in another game. My call is that it will be a mixed bag all game, but the OU D holds up late in another slugfest with ISU.

Todd Blythe, Football Analyst – Iowa State 28, Oklahoma 27

For the first time since he took over at QB, Caleb Williams looked like a freshman against Baylor. Things won’t get easier for him this week against a Cyclone defense that is surely looking to prove itself after a couple of bad outings lately. I expect a heavy dose of #28 on offense and hope to see us manufacture some more touches for X.

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.

@cyclonefanatic