Iowa State player predictions: Week 9 game picks from A.J. Klein and more
We thought we’d have a little fun here at Clones Confidential and have former Cyclones face off against each other, testing their knowledge of the current landscape of college football by picking the week’s highest profile marquee match-ups. Keep track of their record throughout the year for bragging rights.
This week’s Cyclone celebrities are: A.J. Klein, Nick Leaders, RJ Sumrall and Bill Marsau.
A.J. Klein
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Texas @ Kansas State:
Kansas State is 5-1 and coming off a big win on the road vs Oklahoma. Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be packed and is not as easy place to play on the road. Kansas State wins.
Michigan @ Michigan State:
Big in-state rivalry so both teams will be ready to play. Maybe close early, but MSU rolls.
Georgia Tech @ Pittsburgh:
Shout out to old ISU DB’s coach now at Pitt, Troy Douglas. Pitt ranks 4th nationally in total defense allowing 280.4 yards per game. Pitt wins.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State:
Huge win against Baylor last weekend for WVU, but not many go into Boone Pickens Stadium and win easy. I’m taking Oklahoma State in a close one.
Ole Miss @ LSU:
I heard Ole Miss throws a pretty good tailgate at “The Grove”. I like tailgates. Ole Miss wins — not to mention they are 7-0.
South Carolina @ Auburn:
Even though SC is Shane Burnham’s alma mater, I’m taking Auburn in this one. Auburn looking to bounce back after the loss to Mississippi State.
USC @ Utah:
I think USC is a little overrated. Utah wins to improve to 6-1
Ohio State @ Penn State:
Ohio State wins on the road to improve to 6-1. They are the better team.
Oct 18, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. (85) makes a catch and runs for additional yardage against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Tegray Scales (8) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Leaders
Texas @ Kansas State:
K-State. So much respect for Bill Snyder and what he has done there.
Michigan @ Michigan State:
Michigan State. Michigan looks awful and Michigan State is playing as good as anyone right now.
Georgia Tech @ Pittsburgh:
Georgia Tech. I don’t know much about either team but I like Georgia Tech’s offense in this one.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State:
Oklahoma State. As much as I like West Virginia, they don’t have a lot of consistency to win two big games in a row.
Ole Miss @ LSU:
Ole Miss. Changing of the guard in the SEC this year and LSU looks slow and weak compared to Alabama and the Mississippi schools.
South Carolina @ Auburn:
Auburn. Their offense is too explosive and they play just enough defense to hold on.
USC @ Utah:
Utah. The surprise team in the Pac-12 that no one even talks about. Home game for Utah could be a trap for USC.
Ohio State @ Penn State:
Ohio State. They are clicking now with a few weeks under their belt. They are still undefeated in the Big-10 and have an outside chance at playoffs.
Sep 21, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Johnathan Gray (32) celebrates his touchdown giving the Longhorn salute to the crowd against the Kansas State Wildcats during the third quarter of a football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Bill Marsau
Texas @ Kansas State:
Kansas State – The Wildcats have a knack for finding ways to win. Texas has an outstanding defense, but the advantage goes to the home team.
Michigan @ Michigan State:
Michigan State – I think the Wolverines will make this a close game, but the Spartans defense will be too much for them to overcome.
Georgia Tech @ Pitt:
Georgia Tech – Tech’s running game will be the difference in this game.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State:
Oklahoma State – After getting embarrassed on the road last week in Ft. Worth, there will be strong motivation for OSU. I see the Cowboys putting together a very strong game and winning in a close one.
Ole Miss @ LSU:
LSU – This is the week that the Rebel bubble gets popped.
South Carolina @ Auburn:
Auburn – Two very good SEC teams. I give the advantage to Auburn because they are the home team.
USC @ Utah:
USC – The Trojans will be too much for the Utes. Utah has been very up and down.
Ohio State @ Penn State:
Ohio State – Penn St. will be up for this game, but the Buckeyes are clearly the better team and will win easily in Happy Valley.
Oct 18, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Mario Alford (5) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. West Virginia Mountaineers defeated Baylor Bears 41-27. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
RJ Sumrall
Texas @ Kansas State:
Kansas State – Bill Snyder is good. Texas is not back to Texas form yet. I’ll take the Wildcats.
Michigan @ Michigan State:
I’ll take the Spartans [Michigan State], Michigan is suffering right now.
Georgia Tech @ Pitt:
Georgia Tech, but this is simply a guess as I know next to nothing about Pitt.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State:
West Virginia. Again, another guess but they are coming off a large win last week.
Ole Miss @ LSU:
Ole Miss – I think they are riding high and will not lose another game until Mississippi State later in the year (and I’m not saying Mississippi State will beat them).
South Carolina @ Auburn:
South Carolina – They play to their competition and when they step up, they can and will shock people this weekend.
USC @ Utah:
Utah – They are a hidden gem in college football this year.
Ohio State @ Penn State:
Ohio State – I don’t think I need to explain this one.
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