Sep 28, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) makes a touchdown catch against Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
No. 16 Iowa State faces Baylor Saturday (6:30 p.m. FOX) in its second Big 12 game of the season and first ever white-out football game at Jack Trice Stadium. Here are our staff’s picks.
Chris Williams (3-1)
Iowa State should win this game by double digits. But as Dave Aranda’s seat is smoldering, Baylor is two possessions away from being 2-0 in Big 12 play with impressive wins over Colorado and BYU. Talent wise, Iowa State is better than Baylor but this isn’t a black and white conversation. If the Cyclones play like they are capable, they win comfortably. I think the Bears will show up and this will end somewhere in the middle. Iowa State 30, Baylor 21
Rob Gray (3-1)
Baylor at Iowa State – It’s been a wild and demoralizing two weeks for the Bears, who blew a 14-point lead in an eventual 38-31 overtime loss at Colorado, then fell behind, 21-0, to No. 17 BYU last weekend before mounting a furious rally that fell short in a 34-28 setback. The No. 16 Cyclones, meanwhile, have routinely overcome occasional struggles by making key plays in critical moments to race to their first 4-0 start in 24 years. So what happens Saturday night? More of the same for both teams. ISU’s defense will bow up, as usual, and a balanced offensive effort will keep the beleaguered Bears at bay. Iowa State 31, Baylor 16
Connor Ferguson (4-0)
Iowa State rides the white-out momentum into a hot start in this one and shuts down a Baylor offense that’s came up short in big moments throughout the season. Iowa State 23, Baylor 6
Jeff Woody (4-0)
Baylor is gonna make some plays and this will be the most complete offense ISU has faced all season. But the defense is up to the task. The offense has some fits and starts, but ultimately, ISU is too complete a team that executes too well for Baylor to pull one out on the road. Iowa State 34, Baylor 20
Grant Mahoney (4-0)
Iowa state seems dinged up in a couple x-factor positions. Aranda is fighting to keep his job and has nothing to lose (expect his job). I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Baylor try some trickery to to try and pull off the upset. This will be the best offense/QB ISU’s stout defense has faced this season. If ISU crushed Baylor, I would expect Aranda to be fired. If that happens, him and I will be sharing a pitcher of beer on Cy’s patio after the game. Iowa State 24, Baylor 18
Jackson Pence (4-0)
This game has ‘trap game’ written all over it for the Cyclones. While Baylor is 0-2 in conference play, they are only a Hail Mary and 1st down away from being 2-0. So the Cyclones will have to play better than they did against Houston to beat the Bears. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday night and I think the Cyclones will get the job done to move to 5-0 for the first time since 1980. Rocco Becht breaks his slow start drought and never looks back. Baylor keeps it close, but the Cyclones pull away in the second half. Iowa State 27, Baylor 17
