Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Iowa State, ranked No. 17, is determined to overcome the disappointment of a heartbreaking defeat at home to Texas Tech as they hit the road to face Kansas in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday.

The Cyclones (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) saw their perfect record slip away with a 23-22 loss to Texas Tech, but they still have a chance to make it to the Big 12 championship game. However, their margin for error is now very slim.

The Jayhawks (2-6, 1-4) are also familiar with narrow margins. In order to reach a bowl game for the third consecutive year, they must win all four remaining games, which would be a first in the program's history.

Iowa State was leading Texas Tech 22-17 with just over two minutes left in the game when Rocco Becht connected with Carson Brown for a 44-yard touchdown. However, the Cyclones were unable to stop Texas Tech on their next drive, and Tahj Brooks scored a 5-yard touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining to secure the win for the Red Raiders.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to have played so sloppily and turned the ball over," said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. "Especially at the start of November. We take responsibility for it, we learn from it, and we move forward. I hope we have the courage to correct our mistakes and progress."

Looking ahead, Iowa State has been focused all week on not letting their loss to Texas Tech affect their performance against Kansas. Campbell is not underestimating the Jayhawks, despite his team's statistical advantages.

"We're facing another talented running back that we have a lot of respect for," Campbell said of Kansas' Devin Neal. "He's a tough, physical player who knows how to move the ball down the field.

"At the quarterback position, Jalon Daniels is a dangerous player who has won many games. He has elite arm talent and a unique ability to make plays with his feet."

Kansas is coming off a bye week following their 29-27 loss to in-state rival Kansas State in their last game. This was their 16th consecutive loss in the series.

Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold has had two weeks to prepare his team for the upcoming game against Iowa State.

"We have mostly stuck with our usual routine during the bye week," said Leipold. "We have made some minor adjustments.

"I am incredibly proud of this team and how they have stuck together through tough times. They continue to work hard and listen to coaching. They know that winning is within their reach."

Leipold also had high praise for Iowa State and their coach, saying, "Matt Campbell is one of the best coaches in the country. Iowa State is a physical team that improves every week. They know their strengths and play to them.

"They will be determined to get back on track in this game. It will be a big challenge for us."

The game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium, as all of Kansas' home games this season are being played away from their regular home venue in Lawrence, Kan. due to renovations.

PREDICTION

Iowa State Cyclones

Kansas Jayhawks

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas Jayhawks

Breece Hall rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, while Brock Purdy added 239 yards passing, as No. 23 Iowa State stomped Kansas 52-22 at Lawrence, Kan.

Playing in a stiff south wind that gusted up to 30 mph, the Cyclones (4-2, 4-1 Big 12) balanced their attack and wore down the Jayhawks behind Hall, the nation's leading rusher.

Playing in his home state, the Wichita sophomore carried 21 times and matched a career-best he set last week against Oklahoma State. Hall has gained 100 yards in each game this season.

Purdy tied the Iowa State record for career touchdown passes (50) with a 36-yard strike to Xavier Hutchinson on a fourth-down call midway through the third quarter. He finished 23 of 34 with two scores. The Cyclones generated 552 yards.

Kansas (0-6, 0-5) scored on special teams with a 100-yard kickoff return by Kenny Logan, who also intercepted Purdy with 6:49 remaining and the Jayhawks trailing by 16.

But Kansas could not establish consistent rhythm offensively behind freshman quarterback Jalon Daniels, who turned 18 earlier in the week. Daniels passed for 165 yards and added 36 yards rushing with one TD. But he also threw an interception and lost a fumble before limping off in the fourth quarter.

Iowa State recorded 10 tackles for loss, including two from defensive end JaQuan Bailey.

The defeat was the 10th straight for the Jayhawks, who lost by their average margin this season, 30 points.

Purdy completed his first 10 attempts as Iowa State built a 13-0 lead with touchdowns on its first two possessions. Kene Nwangwu scored on an 18-yard carry and Purdy added a 1-yard TD rush after the Cyclones recovered a fumble by Daniels at the Kansas 35.

The early onslaught was snuffed when Kansas made a fourth-down stop and then drove 59 yards for a 5-yard touchdown rush by Daniel Hishaw with 9:01 left in the first half.

Iowa State responded to gain a 20-7 halftime margin by driving 64 yards and scoring on a 3-yard pass from Purdy to Charlie Kolar.