The Iowa State Cyclones are riding high at 3–0 and ranked No. 14 in the nation, but their next test comes on the road as they travel to Jonesboro to take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves this Saturday. Our staff weighs in on what to expect from this Week 3 clash between the Cyclones and the Red Wolves.
Chris Williams (3-0)
Iowa State at Arkansas State: Arkansas State has one of the worst defenses in FBS football, especially against the run. The only question here is how badly Iowa State will want to score in the second half vs. simply running out the clock. Iowa State 45, Arkansas State 13
Rob Gray (3-0)
This game feels like a lose-lose scenario for the No. 14 Cyclones, who opened as 20.5-point favorites in their first road game against a non-Power Four program since suffering the shocking 10-7 loss at Ohio in 2023. If ISU wins big, it’s simply meeting Vegas oddsmakers’ expectations. If the Cyclones struggle at times, some will question whether they’re truly a contender again for a Big 12 title. And if they lose — that’s frankly unthinkable.
All that said, ISU is significantly better on both sides of the ball and features the depth to make any early game struggles a blip on the radar as the sun sets in Jonesboro. Expect the Cyclones to be able to rack up yards and points almost at will offensively, while the defense makes it impossible for Arkansas State to keep up. Iowa State 38, Arkansas State 9.
Jake Brend (2-1)
The more I think about this game, the less scared I am of the trap game potential. Iowa State has plenty of guys that know what it’s like to lose a game like this and they won’t let it happen again. Plus, I just think this group is as mature as any in the country. Moving the ball shouldn’t be an issue, ideally the Cyclones should be able to run all over the Red Wolves and put the game out of reach early in the third quarter before Arkansas State covers in garbage time. Iowa State 38, Arkansas State 20
Jackson Pence (2-1)
I’m with Jake Brend on this one. The more and more I look into this game, the more confident I feel in Iowa State’s ability to run away with this one. Iowa State is clearly the better team. I really want to see Iowa State dominate this game at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Get after the QB on defense and wear down a short-handed Arkansas State team. I’m also hoping we all get to see more of Alex Manske and Dylan Lee in this game. Iowa State 38, Arkansas State 10
Jacqueline Cordova (3-0)
Trap-game radar is blinking. Iowa State is a big favorite and Arkansas State’s defense has struggled, so the blueprint is simple: punch early, run the clock in the second half, get other guys reps, get home healthy. I’m still wired to worry, with Ohio game PTSD flashbacks creeping in, but this feels like a mature team that should stay focused and avoid underestimating a road opponent. I would love to see several Abu Sama and Carson Hansen touchdowns. Iowa State 34, Arkansas State 13
Jeff Woody (3-0)
This will be a really good test for Iowa State and the message that Matt Campbell is trying to get through—that each win is a beginning towards something bigger, not an end. But you’ve got two rivalry wins, two passport stamps, and an FCS ass-kicking in the can already. Can you still get up for this game before a bye week? It’s not what I’d call a trap game; it’s a test of stamina—do you have juice and focus left after all of that energy spend of the first month? I think they do, but it’s a little sleepy in the second half as that energy tank runs dry. Cyclones win a comfortable game. Iowa State 38, Arkansas State 10
Derek Duke (2-1)
After coming off a big win against that other school in the state, the Cyclones are heading into Walmart country. But instead of playing Arkansas, they are playing the Arkansas State Red Wolves who are like the Great Value brand of the Razorbacks. The good news for Iowa State is that Arkansas State just gave up over 300 rushing yards last week to Arkansas.
This should provide a huge opportunity for Iowa State to get their running game going with Abu Sama and Carson Hansen. Meanwhile, the Red Wolves don’t have a ton to offer offensively. The Cyclones are the better team and should dominate the line of scrimmage. Iowa State 41, Arkansas State 13
