Iowa State football: Ranking the Cyclones’ toughest remaining opponents
By Brian Spaen
Oct 18, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back
Wendell Smallwood(4) and safety KJ Dillon (9) celebrate with fans in the stands after the game against the Baylor Bears at Milan Puskar Stadium. West Virginia Mountaineers defeated Baylor Bears 41-27. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
2. West Virginia Mountaineers
Who knew that Clint Trickett and company would actually be in the Big 12 title conversation? It’s helped that they had the easiest conference schedule — all the tough opponents are heading to Morgantown while they had road games to Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Iowa State.
It’s been a great season for West Virginia despite a defense that hasn’t looked great and has given up 27 or more points five times this season. Running back Rushel Shell has been an unsung hero for the Mountaineers and wide receiver Kevin White has already reeled in over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. There’s a lot of weapons for Iowa State’s defense to overcome.
Just like Texas Tech, expect a shootout. Except the Mounaineers’ defense is a bit better and the offense is more complete — just ask Baylor.