Nov 23, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) passes the ball while being pressured by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Kameron Wilson (15) during the third quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
No. 18 Iowa State returns home for Senior Night against K-State Saturday (6:30 p.m. FOX) with hopes of a spot in the Big 12 championship game on the line. Here are our staff’s picks.
Chris Williams (8-3)
At its best, Kansas State might be the best team in the Big 12. The problem is that the Wildcats have just been pretty inconsistent this season. Iowa State’s offense rises to the occasion in a game that features a crappy matchup for the D. Iowa State 27, Kansas State 21
Rob Gray (8-3)
Last season, a snowstorm engulfed Manhattan and Abu Sama dashed through it, leading the Cyclones to victory. Saturday night, it will simply be cold as heck — and who knows what will happen. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson may be the most talented mobile play caller the Cyclones have faced this season, and that’s a problem considering how much they’ve struggled against dual-threat performers. As usual, this one should go down to the wire. A late takeaway seals the outcome and ISU gets to 10 wins for the first time in program history. Iowa State 38, Kansas State 35
Connor Ferguson (9-2)
I was planning on picking Kansas State to win this game in a close one, at least until the Jayce Brown news broke on Friday. From the looks of it, the leading wideout for the Wildcats won’t be on the field. I don’t think this impacts much of the game itself – KSU is typically ground-attack first on offense. Iowa State will still have to find a way to slow down the Wildcats’ offense or force Avery Johnson into mistakes, but I do think this shifts the vibes slightly. Matt Campbell’s shown to have success with good teams against K-State, too. I’ll take the Clones by one. Iowa State 25, Kansas State 24
Jeff Woody (9-2)
You have one chance. One opportunity. To seize everything you ever wanted. Will you capture it? Or just let it slip. There won’t be a lot of sweaty palms (or really sweaty anything) with the game time temps, but I do think this Iowa State team manages to get a win. How it happens? No idea. But give me the Cyclones. Iowa State 24, Kansas State 20
Grant Mahoney (10-1)
I think the key to ISU winning is taking care of the ball, forcing Kansas State to turn the ball over, and winning the special teams battle. In Kansas State’s 3 losses, they’re averaging over 2.5 turnovers a game. In the 8 wins they’re averaging less than 1. Kansas State is also the top team in the conference at stopping the run, while being the 3rd best rush offense in the conference (behind UCF and KU). ISU will need to establish a run game to open up the pass, and limit KSU’s run game, forcing their “QB” to pass more than he wants. Containing him and forcing him to pass will be the key to ISU getting to their first 10 win history in program history. I’ve got plenty of PB&J beers on deck that I’ll be sipping slowly, watching the clones win a nail biter. Iowa State 27, Kansas State 24
Jackson Pence (9-2)
This is it. One game for all the marbles. A chance at 10 wins for the first time in program history and more importantly a chance at a Big 12 Title game appearance. I think Iowa State is ready to play this game. They know what the stakes are. The Cyclones offense is going to be key in this game. Rocco Becht can’t afford to make many mistakes in a game with this magnitude. The Cyclones defense will face another mobile quarterback in young star Avery Johnson. How will Jon Heacock and Co. slow him down enough? We will see. 3rd down will be big for the Cyclones on both sides of the ball. Can they sustain drives on offense and get off the field on defense? Should be a fantastic game. Iowa State 31, Kansas State 27
