Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones: Game preview and prediction

Despite Iowa State (1-9) having a difficult year, falling well short of their now annual expectation of making a bowl game. But that doesn’t discount the hard work the players have put in, especially the seniors who will be playing their last 60 minutes of football in front their dedicated fans.

What helps the Cyclones have a chance at getting their first Big 12 win of the season is their opponent, who will arguably be the easiest team they have faced all season. But don’t tell Kansas (3-7) that, as they’ve built up some momentum after defeating West Virginia and breaking a long conference losing streak.

Nov 9, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Grant Rohach (3) hands of to running back Shontrelle Johnson (21) against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs at Jack Trice Stadium. Texas Christian beat Iowa State 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones

Jack Trice Stadium | Ames, Iowa
Kickoff: Saturday, 7:00 PM CT | TV: FOX Sports 1

A combined record of 4-16 won’t keep the fans away from this game – it could be the mixture of students heading home for Thanksgiving break and the frigid temperatures expected. With no clouds in the area, temperatures will dip in the single digits with a steady breeze.

Jack Trice Stadium may not be as packed as it’s been during the first five games, but the fans that do make it will hopefully get a show from their seniors and the rest of the players on the Cyclones.

With a game that simply has pride on the line between these two programs, it’s a good time to celebrate both what the seniors have accomplished during their careers at Iowa State and to look forward to the future of the football team.

What to watch for

The Cyclones have had nothing but problems at the quarterback position all season, and that’s relatively been the same for Kansas. Todd Heaps has made the majority of the starts, but its expected that freshman Montell Cozart will make the start under center.

Nov 16, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Montell Cozart (2) slides to avoid a tackle by West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Tyler Anderson (53) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

In his five appearances this season, Cozart has completed 16 of 44 passes for 194 yards; a paltry performance when it comes to a passing game, but he is a dual-threat quarterback. On the ground, Cozart has 46 attempts for 174 yards and a touchdown.

That’s what Iowa State needs to focus on – stopping the run. Cozart jumped up to the third-best runner on the Jayhawks. At first, senior running back James Sims has been an absolute beast. He’s 86 yards from passing the 1,000 mark on the season, and has seven touchdowns.

If the Cyclones display poor tackling early on, then they’ll have a hard time getting Kansas off the field.

Prediction

Yes, this is Iowa State’s best chance to get a Big 12 victory, but those chances have taken a hit after Kansas looked very impressive against West Virginia last week in the Mountaineers’ first appearance in Lawrence.

If it was earlier in the season, the Jayhawks would have a huge advantage with their running attack. But Iowa State has done better at forcing teams to punt with better tackling and less yards after contact.

With a freezing night expected, both offenses will likely be stalled unless one of them start dominating on the ground. Kansas has the tools needed, and the combination of Cozart and Sims should be enough to edge out at victory in Ames and win their second consecutive Big 12 game.

KAN 21, IAST 17 (Odds: KAN +4, U46)

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