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Oklahoma (7-1) isn’t being talked about like the undefeated Big 12 teams, but it’s on a roll ever since the loss to Texas. Iowa State (3-5), unlike the Sooners, were able to beat the Longhorns, and now there’s hope again to maybe go bowling. Check out the Iowa State vs. Oklahoma game preview and prediction.

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
Game Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK

Network: ESPNU

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Why You Need To Care

Is it possible that Iowa State is a whole bunch better than originally thought? That might be a stretch, but the five losses came to Toledo, Texas Tech and Baylor on the road, and at home to currently unbeaten TCU and Iowa teams. Once it played someone its own size – Texas – it pitched a gem. Oklahoma isn’t Iowa State’s own size, and neither is Oklahoma State, but Kansas State and West Virginia might be winnable. The Cyclones have to win three out of their last four, but they also have to play three out of their last four games on the road.

Oklahoma has been devastating, scoring 180 points over the last three games in blowout wins, and putting up 41 points or more on everyone this year but Tennessee and Texas. The offense is ultra-efficient and the defense has stepped up, and it’s soon going to have to do even more with road games at Baylor and Oklahoma State along with a home date with TCU. This is the last breather of the season – at least it’s supposed to be.

Why Iowa State Will Win

So why did it all work last week against Texas? What were the Cyclones able to do to come up with a dominant shutout? It started with the running game, taking off for more than 200 yards for the fifth time in the last six games. The O line is doing a terrific job, and Mike Warren is putting up a fantastic freshman season, and it’s all going to have to do it again. Defensively, the Cyclones got to the Texas backfield before it could get anything started, cranking up consistent plays behind the line, along with three sacks. How did Texas stop Oklahoma? It got to Baker Mayfield and came up with a huge game up front – Iowa State’s D will have to do the same.

Why Oklahoma Will Win

The Iowa State secondary isn’t in place to slow down the machine. The Cyclones were lit up by TCU and Texas Tech, and even though it wasn’t awful against Baylor, it still allowed three scores. The Sooner passing attack is a machine, hitting 70% of its passes with Baker Mayfield and company hitting on five touchdown passes in two of the last three games, and with just one pick in the last four. Iowa State won’t stop the OU offense, and it doesn’t have the pop to keep up the pace.

Player Who Matters

So far, so good for Iowa State freshman QB Joel Lanning. Pushed into the Baylor game, he was good in a garbage time role throwing for 144 yards and three scores, and last week against Texas he completed 19-of-37 passes for 188 yards and a score, and ran for 64 yards. Most importantly, he didn’t make any major mistakes. This week, just being error-free won’t be enough – he’ll have to make the offense explode. Can he do it? He has the receivers, but he doesn’t have the experience.

What’s Going To Happen?

Iowa State won’t be bad, but the Oklahoma machine will keep on rolling. Don’t discount what being low in the Big 12 CFP ranking pecking order will do. There’s no overconfidence – the Sooners will be terrific before diving into the meat of the slate.

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Prediction

Final Score: Oklahoma 45, Iowa State 20, Line: Oklahoma -25.5, o/u: 61.5

Must See Rating:5: The Gospel According To Mac – 1: Supergirl … 2.5