Welcome to game week for the first time of the 2024 season.
The Cyclone Fanatic staff gives their picks for this Saturday’s game between Iowa State and North Dakota (2:30 p.m. Fox Sports 1).
Chris Williams
Iowa State 41, North Dakota 10
Iowa State’s defense will give North Dakota all sorts of problems. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a defensive touchdown by the Cyclones in the first half. Iowa State cruises and coasts into Cy-Hawk week.
Rob Gray
Iowa State 41, North Dakota 10
The Fighting Hawks have become a formidable FCS program, but they must replace most of their offensive and defensive lines. That spells trouble, as the Cyclones have depth in both of those areas, and if North Dakota loads the box, ISU quarterback Rocco Becht will wreak havoc.
Connor Ferguson
Iowa State 35, North Dakota 5
The Cyclone offense comes out firing with its familiar stars and supporting cast, but keeps things rather simple ahead of next week’s Cy-Hawk game. Iowa State’s defense has no troubles with a UND quarterback that has just two on-field passes to his name.
Grant Mahoney
Iowa State 37, North Dakota 6
Rocco Becht throws for three touchdowns and Iowa State will find another touchdown somewhere else on the field. I think Kyle Konrardy kicks three field goals and the Cyclones roll.
Jackson Pence
Iowa State 49, North Dakota 10
The Fighting Hawks are a solid FCS program, making it to the FCS playoffs four out the last five seasons. Iowa State has had a tendency to start slow under Matt Campbell, but with all the returners on both sides of the ball, the Cyclones should look to hit the ground running to start the 2024 season. Rocco Becht throws for 250+ yards and Campbell calls off the dogs in the second half as they rest up for the Hawkeyes next week.
