Talented Cyclones will prove major challenge for West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The nation’s most talented two-loss team visits West Virginia Saturday afternoon, with the Mountaineers (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) looking to send them back home as the country’s best three-loss team.

Statistically speaking, Iowa State (3-2, 1-1) is far better than its record indicates. The Cyclones’ defeats come by a combined three points — an 18-17 loss to rival Iowa and a 23-21 loss at Baylor.

Remarkably, Iowa State’s offense has only gone three-and-out twice this season. The Cyclones don’t stop there, either, with 80 percent of their drives covering at least 20 yards. All of that has happened despite losing the two focal points of last season’s offense, wide receiver Hakeem Butler and running back David Montgomery. Both are in the NFL.

Quarterback Brock Purdy is the reason for the offensive success. Though he garners less attention than Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts and Texas’ Sam Ehlinger, Purdy is the one leading the Big 12 in passing with an average of 315.6 yards per game.

“If he wasn’t playing against us, he’s somebody I’d play admission to see,” said West Virginia coach Neal Brown. “His ability to make a play outside of what’s called is scariest to me.”

Purdy is also Iowa State’s leading rusher with 40.6 yards per game on the ground.

“He’s had some big, explosive runs. But he’s big enough to run with power as well,” Brown said. “Watching him on video this summer, my takeaway was that he’s a good player. When I watched him Sunday and Monday, he’s one of the most improved players in college football going back from last year.

“The offense was built around those two guys that are gone, and it’s better. I don’t carry on about a bunch of players, but I really appreciate how he plays.”

WVU-Iowa State pregame video

Iowa State’s talent is not limited to one side of the ball. The Cyclones have allowed three rushing touchdowns and rank 32nd in rushing defense (3.2 yards per carry). That unit is led by safety Greg Eisworth, who has a team-high 39 tackles. Eisworth, last season’s Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year, chose Iowa State over West Virginia when he signed out of junior college.

When teams drop back to pass, they have to contend with linebacker O’Rien Vance. The sophomore is one of four players in the FBS with a sack in every game this year, and leads the Big 12 with 6.5 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries.

Though beating Iowa State certainly doesn’t come with the same notoriety as a win over Texas would have, in some regards a win here would be more impressive.

“This week is going to be the telltale of how we respond,” Brown said. “Will we be able to overcome that loss after putting so much into Texas?”

THREE KEYS

Win third down

For as good as Iowa State has been in many statistical categories, third-down defense is not one of them. The Cyclones rank 99th nationally, allowing opponents to convert on 42.3 percent of third downs. West Virginia went 0-for-7 on third downs in the second half against Texas. But if they can fix that problem and keep Purdy off the field by extending possessions, they’ll have a chance.

Protect the ball

The Mountaineers played evenly with Texas, but were undone by four Austin Kendall interceptions. Eliminating giveaways is a must if the result is going to change this week.

Sam James (or T.J. Simmons)

Provided they aren’t getting sacks, the Cyclones can be attacked through the air. Baylor receiver Tyquan Thornton went off for 11 catches and 141 yards in the Bears’ win. The Mountaineers need Sam James or T.J. Simmons can exploit the Iowa State defense in a similar manner.

PREDICTION: Iowa State 30, West Virginia 20





More Sports

Sports
Beanie Bishop posts top 40-yard dash time at Big 12 Pro Day
March 29, 2024 - 1:21 am
High School Sports
Herbert Hoover improves to 10-0 with 2-1 win over Hurricane
The Huskies collected a pair of victories Thursday in the Guard the Capital Invitational in Charleston.
March 29, 2024 - 12:51 am
High School Sports
Independence bests Wahama, 10-2 in the Guard the Capital Tournament
March 28, 2024 - 9:03 pm
High School Sports
Photo gallery: University defeats Bridgeport, 12-3
March 28, 2024 - 6:24 pm