Jackson Pence
Iowa State is back at home this Saturday to face the Arizona State Sun Devils in a rematch of the 2024 Big 12 Championship. Both teams are trying to get back into the win column this weekend. Here is how our staff thinks the game will play out at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday.
Chris Williams (5-3)
Given Arizona State’s injury situation, the kick time, and temperature assessment heading into Saturday, Iowa State absolutely should be a touchdown favorite in this game. It feels like this is when it finally all clicks offensively for the Cyclones. Although, we thought that would be the case last week too. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 17
Rob Gray 6-2
The Sun Devils are even more injured than the Cyclones — and that’s saying something since ISU’s top two cornerbacks, Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper, are out for the season. Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt gave the Cyclones fits in last season’s Big 12 title game, but he can’t go on Saturday, which puts twice-transferred play caller Jeff Sims behind center. He’s really good as a runner but spotty as a passer, so it will be interesting to see how ISU defensive coordinator Jon Heacock plans to attack him. Rocco Becht and the Cyclones’ offense tips the scales in this one. Iowa State 28, Arizona State 20
Jake Brend (4-4)
Okay guys, it’s now or never. The main goal of a Big 12 Championship is gone, but a good season isn’t out the window. Win Saturday and there’s a lot to play for down the stretch. For that reason, I think the veteran leadership is enough to push past Iowa State’s struggles in the margins. Iowa State 30, Arizona State 17
Jackson Pence (5-3)
I feel for both of these teams. The injury bug has not been kind to last season’s best two Big 12 teams. No Sam Leavitt and probably no Jordyn Tyson significantly tilts the scale in the Cyclones’ favor. ASU backup QB Jeff Sims has been very underwhelming during his college career, but we know he can run the ball really well.
Rocco Becht has taken a lot of shots for his play the past month. He obviously hasn’t been perfect, but he’s given Iowa State a chance in every game this season. There is no one else I want to lead this program than him and Matt Campbell. They will figure it out. Rocco throws for 200+ and two touchdowns and Carson Hansen and Abu Sama each get a score on the ground. This might just be the game to kickstart Iowa State for the rest of the season. A 9-3 record would still be a great season in my eyes. Bring on the Alamo Bowl!! Iowa State 30, Arizona State 17
Jacqueline Cordova (5-3)
I’m feeling about as depleted as Sam Leavitt right now…but at least Rocco Becht is still suiting up. With Arizona State’s QB out, that’s a major blow to their rhythm and leadership. A noon kickoff means we get in, handle business, and still have the afternoon to relax (or overanalyze). I’m going in with zero expectations physically, mentally and emotionally. Let’s keep my streak going of picking Iowa State regardless. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 17
Jeff Woody (5-3)
This feels like the Bummer Bowl since both teams are coming off of losses, each of those seeming to push their teams out of B12 championship game contention. Which leads to the main point, who is going to be able to pick themselves off the mat better? Sam Leavitt has been arguably the best 4th quarter quarterback in the country, authoring comebacks against Baylor and Tech and keeping them in games that got tight.
But without him, they don’t have as much firepower on offense, let alone their closer. Their defense is built to stop the big play, so it will be a test in patience for this ISU offense who is desperate to stop a mistake-ridden slide. I expect a lower scoring game than people may want, but ISU uses the home crowd to get to 6-3. Iowa State 24, Arizona State 16
Derek Duke (5-3)
With no Sam Leavitt or Jordyn Tyson for Arizona State, the Sun Devils are not the same team. In fact, they are pretty average without those two which is why Iowa State’s defense shouldn’t have trouble slowing them down.
Meanwhile, Iowa State’s offense showed some life against a good BYU defense last weekend in the first half. This game feels a lot more important for the Cyclones to with the Sun Devils title hopes down the drain. It’s time to stop shooting yourself in the foot, play loose and have some fun on Saturday and they will. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 20
