Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State: Preview, Prediction, and Game Odds

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the matchup between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

GAME INFO

Saturday, September 23; 3:00 p.m. CT; Jack Trice Stadium; Ames, Iowa

TV: FS1

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network (John Walters, Eric Heft, Ryan Harklau)

Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb, and Robert Allen)

2023 Records: Iowa State 1-2, Oklahoma State 2-1

Rankings: N/A

Series History: Oklahoma State leads, 34-20-3

Last Meeting: Oklahoma State 20, Iowa State 14 (2022)

Line: Iowa State (-3.5)

Fun Fact: The last three matchups between these two teams have been decided by a total of 12 points.

Everyone but Rocco Becht

Whenever an offense is struggling, the first thing people like to do is blame the quarterback. However, if you have watched Iowa State’s offense closely, I don’t think that Rocco Becht is the problem. The offensive line has been below average at best as the run game has been non-existent so far this season. On top of that, receivers have dropped too many passes. This offense isn’t lacking talent by any means, but they need to step up.

DB Jeremiah Cooper

I know Iowa State has plenty of talented players in their secondary and sophomore safety has really made a name for himself this season. Cooper has a team-leading three interceptions and is third on the team in tackles. It seems like anywhere the football is, Jeremiah is around it.

The Quarterbacks

I have to see quarterbacks because Oklahoma State has yet to pick a starter. Alan Bowman, Garret Rangel, and Gunnar Gundy have all seen playing time this season and Mike Gundy still hasn’t made a decision yet through three games. The quarterback rotation isn’t going to stop anytime soon as Mike Gundy says that all three guys will play on Saturday against Iowa State. Hopefully, one of these guys can finally take the starting job and run with it for the sake of the fans.

Nickolas Martin and Collin Oliver

There isn’t a whole lot to like about Oklahoma State’s defense right now, but linebackers Nickolas Martin and Collin Oliver have been one of the few bright spots on the team. The duo has combined for 41 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss this season through three games.

Can the Offense Get Going?

Earlier I talked about Iowa State’s offensive struggles. Their offensive line hasn’t been able to get a push up front to help get the run game going. In fact, the Cyclones have a bottom-ten rushing offense in college football. While Iowa State does have some weapons with their tight ends (Easton Dean and Benjamin Brahmer), they also have two good receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. What needs to change is that they need to find a way to get their playmakers the ball in the short passing game to help out since they can’t run the football. The question is, can they make the adjustments to try and get something going?

Can the Cowboys Bounce Back?

Last week Oklahoma State suffered one of the most embarrassing losses in the Mike Gundy era. They were blown out 33-7 against South Alabama at home. The defense was bad, and the offense somehow looked even worse as they couldn’t even score a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. Is this team ready to bounce back after a loss like that? I am not sure.

Between these two teams, there isn’t a whole lot I trust. I know that this will be a low-scoring game due to both offenses not being very good. However, if there is one thing I like about either team is it the defense of Iowa State. Just take a look at some of these defensive stats for the Cyclones.