By Brad Fuller on Oct 27, 2006
Iowa State Offense vs. Kansas State Defense
I look for the Cyclones to finally break out of their offensive slump and put up some big numbers on the Kansas State defense. Iowa State has played from behind all year long, so it will be important for the offense to start fast. If the Cyclones win the toss they they need to take the ball and set the tone early. ISU should take some shots deep to Todd Blythe, Austin Flynn and Jon Davis to test Andrew Erker who is replacing Watts at FS.
Slight Advantage: Kansas State Offense vs. Iowa State Defense
It is tough to predict what is going to happen when the KSU offense lines up against the ISU defense Saturday. The Cyclone defense has been bullied by the best offenses in the conference (Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas Tech) and the Kansas State offense has stuggled to get anything going since Big 12 play began. The Cyclones best bet is to stop the run and make the turnover-prone true-freshman beat them. A defense that has struggled to force turnovers should be able to get a few takeaways against the Wildcats.
Slight Advantage:Iowa State Special Forces vs. Kansas State Special Teams
The Kansas State special teams have scored 5 touchdowns this season and have scored a TD in three of the Wildcats four wins. KSU blocked a punt and returned a kick for a touchdown in their only Big 12 win of the year, 31-27 over Oklahoma State. Iowa State had a touchdown on a punt return by Ryan Baum earlier this year. Kansas State has had a punt and a field goal blocked, they also allowed a punt return for a touchdown. The Cyclones can not afford to give up a big play on special teams this week.
Slight Advantage:
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas State WildcatsTurnover Margin
Iowa State: minus 3
Kansas State: minus 2
ISU finally gets the offense going against a secondary that will be without their best player and leader S Marcus Watts. The defense will be happy to see a KSU offense that has averaged only 309 yards per game. The Wildcats have really struggled on offense since Josh Freeman took over four weeks ago. But, the game will be determined by special teams. KSU is 3-0 when they score on ST. If Kansas State scores on special teams, Kansas State wins. If Iowa State can keep the Wildcats out of the endzone on special teams, Iowa State wins. The ISU special forces have been the strength of the team the last three weeks and I think that will continue on Saturday.Keep the faith!
Go Cyclones!
Overall – Slight Advantage:
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Posted in Predictions |
