West Virginia vs. Iowa State football: Game preview and prediction

By Brian Spaen | Nov 28, 2014

This time last year, Iowa State was able to turn around their fortunes by defeating Kansas and West Virginia in hopes of creating something to look forward to the next season. It’s time for the Cyclones to do that once again, sitting with a 2-8 overall record, winless in conference play, and in the midst of a four-game losing streak. At the very least we should get an entertaining game like last week. If it’s a sliver of how fun last year’s triple-overtime thriller was in Morgantown, we could be in for a treat.

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Iowa State Cyclones

Jack Trice Stadium | Ames, Iowa
Saturday, November 29th, 2014 | Kickoff – 11:00 AM CT
TV: Fox Sports 1 | Stream: Fox Sports Go

More from Football

Instead of a traditional preview, we’re instead going to give all our focus to the seniors. The Iowa State players that will be honored on Saturday:

E.J. Bibbs (tight end)
Jared Brackens (linebacker)
Tyler Harmeyer (defensive lineman)
Brandon Horbach (quarterback)
Jevohn Miller (linebacker)
Cory Morrissey (defensive end)
Aaron Wimberly (running back)
Tom Farniok (center)
Drake Ferch (linebacker)
Jacob Gannon (offensive lineman)
Brandon Jensen (defensive lineman)
Ben Loth (offensive lineman)
Matthew Thomas (defensive back)
Spencer Thornton (longsnapper)
Jared Weaver (running back)
Jarvis West (wide receiver)

Since it is also the Thanksgiving season, I speak for all the fans when I say thanks to all your contributions to the Iowa State football team. It was a disappointing year and everyone obviously wishes they could have done something to improve it. But instead of looking at the bad, let’s look at the positive.

E.J. Bibbs is statistically the best tight end in any Power Five conference and lived up to his preseason hype. Jevohn Miller filled the void at linebacker by leading the Cyclones in tackles before his season-ending injury in early November. I’ll miss Cory Morrissey’s sharp attitude and hard work ethic on the field. Drake Ferch jumped in and won a linebacker position early this season.

Nov 30, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones offensive linesman Tom Farniok (74) runs off the field after running back Shontrelle Johnson (21) touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Iowa State Cyclones defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 52-44 in the third overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

We’ll never forget Jarvis West and all of his exciting touchdowns, from special teams returns to passing the ball himself. Aaron Wimberly had some injury woes in the last couple seasons, but we thank him for taking over last year when none of the other running backs could get it going. We praise Jacob Gannon for dealing with his anxiety disorder and recommitting himself to the football team after taking a short hiatus.

We’ll miss longsnapper Spencer Thornton, who gets zero credit for what he does on the field and has been a constant success. We still feel bad for Ben Loth, whose season and career ended just a day into fall camp with a knee injury. And obviously, the offensive line will miss Tom Farniok, one of the best centers Iowa State has had in the history of the football program.

For all 16 seniors that will be on the field or on the sidelines this Saturday, thank you for all your contributions. Let’s close down Jack Trice Stadium for the year with a huge victory.

Prediction

For no reason whatsoever…

Iowa State 35, West Virginia 31