Iowa State should win this game, however I don't see any gimmes on the remaining schedule except maybe Texas Tech. I only say Tech because they just fired their coach last week after a 25-24 loss to Kansas State. Every week is grind and the hunt begins this weekend with the Mountaineers. West Virginia is not a gimme. They are passionate, and outspoken, bordering on Hawkeye obnoxious (bordering).
QB's: The current Big 12 QB Leaders in passing are #1 WVU Jarret Doege with 1,701 yards and #2 Brocktober Purdy with 1,648 yards. This surprised me because West Virginia is 3-4 while Iowa State comes to the game at 5-2. West Virginia has a balanced attack and really spreads the ball around to multiple receivers. The Mountaineers have been chasing some games but not able to bag the W.
Rushing: Breece Hall ranks #2 in Big 12 rushing with 818 yards and the Mountaineers lead back Leddie Brown ranks #8. Big edge to the Cyclones.
Receiving: ISU's High Stepping Xavier Hutchinson is #3 in Big 12 receiving 539 yards. WVU's number one receiver is #9 Winston Wright Jr. with 423 yards. They also list the #14, #16, #21, #24 receivers in The Big 12. After High Step Hutch ISU logs #12 Charlie Kolar and #35 Breece Hall. ISU spreads the ball, however WVU has an even more balanced receiving threat. This edge goes to WVU.
Total Team Offense: Iowa State Ranks #6, directly followed by WVU #7. Offensively this looks to be a spread 'em out and spread it around type of coon hunt.
Defense: We all know ISU has the #1 defense (Big 12), #3 in the country. ISU total yards allowed: 1,840 - 1,147/693 passing/rushing yards allowed. WVU ranks #5 with total yards allowed of 2,501 - 1,735/766. Rush defense is where the Mountaineers shine. Oklahoma State packed the box and forced Brock Purdy to beat them and attempted to shut down the Iowa State rushing game, which for the most part was successful. I would expect much of the same. Although, there may be some extra coverage on High Stepping Hutch. Defensively there is a big edge to Iowa State. In the last three meetings WVU has not scored more than 14 points - all were Cyclone victories. P.S. Will McDonald only need 0.5 sacks to tie Jaquan Bailey's all time sack record.
I predict this game to be another close one, WVU plays well at home. Plus, I think it is more than likely than the Cyclones fall behind in the score, but find a way to pull it out in the end. The Mountaineers are a better team than their record presents and plays well at home, yet I think the Cyclone veterans will make the difference for the Cyclones.
*** If you are wondering why Xavier Hutchinson is getting the Moniker "High Step Hutch". You can view the video of the play where he was called for unsportsman like conduct "taunting" for high stepping into the end, and had his touchdown called back. Enjoy the call from the Iowa State media.
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