This article was written by TommyT. To contact, email @digitalzsports@gmail.com
Let’s be honest Iowa State fans, we have no idea how this game is going to go. We have never been in this situation before. Yes, 2017-2019 we had hope that we could make a run at this, but it didn’t happen…Now what do we do?
I see this game going one of two ways.
- Oklahoma says, “Hey this team beat us once before when we had a 17-6 lead at one point, and that isn’t happening again.” Then they proceed to destroy Iowa State into the ground.
- Iowa State absorbs all this negative energy and hate everyone has put on them *cough Rece Davis cough* and makes it a close game. But do they win that close game?
If this game is close, ISU can definitely win, but I’m not saying that is something to bet on (even though I did). I don’t think this game ends 31-21 or 26-13. I just don’t believe it will be a somewhat close game until the end. Both these teams are hungry for a dub.
Oklahoma is a way different team from when they placed Iowa State on October 3rd. Rattler, among others, have gotten better since then. Along with that, Breece Hall, who had an amazing game in their first meeting is expected to have a decline on Saturday. OU’s defense has to know that is the Cyclones main man even with all their weapons. It’s also guaranteed Oklahoma has done a lot of scouting to shut Hall down this time. If he even comes near his 28 rushing attempts for 139 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, Iowa State will win.
For Iowa State to win, or even stay close it will have to be on the defense. Oklahoma State and Iowa State have been discussed as the two best defenses in the Big 12. Some people say teams need to start strong or finish strong, but no, Iowa State has to play strong to stay in this game. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a huge Iowa State fan and love this team, but the defense has to set the tone every play and cannot have this Oklahoma squad gain confidence.
With an estimated 18,000 fans in attendance, the fans will probably be split down the middle. With that being said, this will still be a home game for Oklahoma. They have been to the Big 12 Championship in all 3 seasons, facing different opponents each time. They have not really looked rattled each year facing a new team, so don’t expect that this year.
There is one thing to look for in this game for both teams. For Oklahoma it’s pretty simple. Spencer Rattler needs to be calm and patient. Iowa State’s defense 90% of the time drops eight defenders and only rushes three. It’s hard to throw it right away against them and you can’t scramble right away either, because they will swarm to the ball. Being patient, Rattler will find holes opening up in their defense and will be able to see running lanes as well.
For Iowa State, this one is a little more difficult. Brock Purdy needs to be in charge for the entire game. Hall has been amazing this year, but Purdy needs to take control. You want Oklahoma’s defense to forget about Hall(which is hard to do), and have them get comfortable with ISU throwing the ball. Then come at them with rushing plays and then play-action passes off of that will all their Tight End talent. There is enough talent for Purdy on the outside to help him out, but he needs to play great.
