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Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the Big 12 matchup between the Cowboys and Cyclones on Saturday in Stillwater.

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Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 8 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
Broadcast: ESPNU

Oklahoma State is coming off a most important win over Texas, particularly in light of the Week 4 loss at Baylor and harsh criticism lobbied by prominent booster T. Boone Pickens in Mike Gundy’s direction. The Cowboys dominated the final 35 minutes in what the program hopes will be a new direction and continued relevance in the Big 12 race. Iowa State also bowed to Baylor, last Saturday in Ames, but dispatched a statement in the process. The Cyclones were actually tougher on the Bears than the Pokes were on Sept. 24, holding a two-touchdown lead at the start of the fourth quarter before fading down the stretch.

What To Know About Oklahoma State

The Cowboys are the Big 12 archetype—high-octane offense with a defense that gets the program in trouble. Oklahoma State averages 41 points per game, and it’s becoming even more dangerous with the emergences of RB Justice Hill and WR Jalen McCleskey to support the dynamite pitch-and-catch combo of Mason Rudolph to James Washington. Just a freshman, Hill has jetted for more than 100 yards in each of the last two games, giving balance to an attack that was already potent through the air. However, the D has yielded at least 30 points in all four games with FBS opponents.

What to Know About Iowa State

The Cyclones found a little rhythm at Jack Trice Stadium the last two weeks. But can it continue in a tough road assignment? Iowa State will have a difficult time containing Oklahoma State’s weapons, much like it did against Iowa, TCU and Baylor. However, the offense is coming around behind the running of Mike Warren and the passing of Joel Lanning. Lanning and top receivers Allen Lazard and Trever Ryen will be the focal point for the Clones, who want to exploit a Cowboy secondary that ranks 112th nationally in pass efficiency defense.

Advantages

Offense: Oklahoma State. With Gundy in charge, offensive pop and explosiveness is rarely a worry in Stillwater.

Defense: Push. Both the Cowboys and the Cyclones have holes on defense that the other one will want to exploit.

Special Teams: Oklahoma State. Cowboys in fine shape with Ben Grogan handling placekicking, Zach Sinor at punter and Barry Sanders in the return game.

Coaching: Oklahoma State. Matt Campbell has a very bright future ahead, but he has a ways to go before catching up with Gundy and his staff of assistants.

Intangibles: Oklahoma State. Cowboys are as confident and as motivated as they’ve been all season after pounding Texas in Week 5.

Matchup To Watch

Hill vs. LB Reggan Northrup and the Iowa State run defense

The Cyclones were just stampeded by Shock Linwood and Baylor for 469 yards and five scores on the ground. And now here comes Hill, who’s becoming increasingly comfortable with his role in the offense, and is eager to spend a lot of time in the Iowa State secondary

Betting Odds

Spread: Oklahoma State -17
Over/Under: No line

Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State Prediction

After leaving it all on the field last week versus Baylor, Iowa State may be a little spent for this trip to Stillwater. Plus, the Cyclone defense against the increasingly diverse Oklahoma State attack is a mismatch favoring the host. Campbell is beginning to make gains in what will be a lengthy rebuilding plan in Ames. This weekend, though, Iowa State takes a step in reverse, as the Cowboy offense keeps rocking behind Rudolph’s arm and Hill’s quick feet.

Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 44, Iowa State 24

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