Iowa State Cyclones’ quarterback Rocco Becht (3) gets tackle by Kansas Jayhawks defensive line Caleb Taylor (53) during the fourth quarter at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK
No. 17 Iowa State returns to the field after its first loss of the year to take on Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday (2:30 p.m. FS1). Here are our staff picks.
Chris Williams (6-2)
Bizarre to see a 7-1 team as only a 3-point favorite vs. a two-win Kansas team. That’s because the Jayhawks have been in every game this season and should have won many more. Reminds me a lot of the Cyclones two seasons ago. Iowa State 30, Kansas 27
Rob Gray (6-2)
The Jayhawks look like the 2022 version of the Cyclones, finding ways to lose in a variety of ways. But Kansas still has a dynamic (and recently resurgent) quarterback in Jalon Daniels, along with two productive running backs and three talented receivers. There’s a good reason Las Vegas initially pegged ISU as a 3.5-point favorite — and that number was down to 2.5 in various sportsbooks as we reached the middle of the week. ISU’s offense should be able to thrive, and the defense should do just enough to eke out a narrow win at a more-or-less neutral site at Arrowhead Stadium. Iowa State 31, Kansas 27
Connor Ferguson (7-1)
The loss could be everything Iowa State needed to refocus itself this season and on the other hand, Kansas is finding ways to lose week in and week out… this is the ultimate litmus test for where this season is going. The Cyclones need a win – and get one in close fashion. Iowa State 25, Kansas 19
Jeff Woody (7-1)
Kansas stacks up okay against Iowa State’s defense, with 2 of the best running backs in the conference and one of the best running quarterbacks. This has proven to be a challenge for ISU (see: UCF). But Iowa State also knows what’s at stake and what they have to do to make sure they don’t lose the opportunity in front of them. Clones don’t give up an opening drive TD, but do need to scrap to win a dogfight. Iowa State 31, Kansas 26
Grant Mahoney (7-1)
I have no confidence in this ISU team after last week. The offense looked out of sorts vs a bad Texas tech defense. The play calling was predictable. The team is dinged up every where. My only silver lining is that we haven’t seen a complete game out of ISU on offense defense and special teams yet. Kansas coming off a bye. 5 of their 6 losses have been one score losses. I feel like they found something against K State. Unfortunately I see ISU dropping their second game of the season. Kansas 28, Iowa State 24
Jackson Pence (7-1)
I don’t know what to think about this game. I’m also not sure what version of Iowa State we are going to see. How will this team respond after a tough, heartbreaking loss last week to Texas Tech? I have no clue. But I do think this Iowa State defense will be better. They cannot afford to get down early against this Jayhawks team, especially with an elite running quarterback in Jalon Daniels. I would love to see Iowa State start with the ball or take the ball if they win the coin flip. They need to have a fast start. There is no doubt that the offense has to be better. Hopefully they changed some things up and aren’t so predictable on 1st and 2nd down. This game will come down to the wire and I think Iowa State makes just enough plays down the stretch to pull this one out. Time to get rid of the Arrowhead Stadium curse. Iowa State 27, Kansas 24
