Aaron Marner (9-3)

Sports editor

Iowa State 37

Washington State 30

Iowa State should have all the motivation heading into this game.

The Alamo Bowl is probably the most prestigious bowl the Cyclones have ever played in. Compare that to Washington State, who was in the conversation for the College Football Playoff as of mid-November before losing to Washington (and losing a Rose Bowl bid at the same time), and there’s a recipe for a one-sided affair if the Cougars are still feeling down.

Iowa State also has an advantage in that the Cyclone defense has faced high-powered offenses before. Facing an air raid offense led by a talented quarterback will not be a new challenge.

It will come down to Iowa State’s offense and its ability to keep drives moving and putting points on the board consistently. The Cyclones can’t afford to get behind by too many points, and if Iowa State manages to take a lead, they’ll need to extend it. Washington State can catch up quickly thanks to its passing attack.

In the end, I think the Cyclones pull out the victory and grab their ninth win of the season.

Trevor Holbrook (6-6)

Assistant sports editor

Washington State 37

Iowa State 28

I think Aaron’s correct in his assessment of Iowa State’s motivation, but I’ll disagree with his take on the Cougars’ sense of feeling down after receiving the Valero Alamo Bowl bid.

Washington State has had a long drought since its last double-digit win season, when the Cougars stringed together three 10-win seasons from 2001-03. Washington State secured the 10-win threshold in the regular season, but the Cougars could venture into uncharted territory with a win over the Cyclones, earning their first 11-win season.

The catalyst to the Cougars offense has something to gain from the bowl game, too. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II could propel his NFL draft stock with a solid performance against a stout Cyclone defense.

On the Iowa State side, the team’s had time to prepare, which is a good thing, considering the Cyclones’ stretch to end the season.

Iowa State defeated Kansas and Baylor, but the Cyclones certainly left the game closer than it could’ve been. After a rough game against Texas, Iowa State edged out a 5-7 Kansas State team.

Finally, the Cyclones churned out a three-point win over Drake. Needless to say, Iowa State didn’t dominate to close its season. 

I think Minshew II and company find enough holes in the Cyclone defense, and the Cougars slow down Iowa State’s offense enough to win their 11th game.

Noah Rohlfing (9-3)

Assistant sports editor

Washington State 27

Iowa State 24

This is it.

Iowa State will definitely be motivated for this game. It’s a chance to win 17 games in two seasons. Washington State, though, will likely show up just as motivated.

The Cougars went into the final week of the season with a chance to win the Pac-12 North only to lose to archrivals Washington. Like Trevor said, the chance at an 11-win season and a feeling of triumph is something that the Cougars won’t take lightly, I feel. 

Iowa State will have to keep Minshew II and the Cougars’ offense off the scoreboard, but my biggest concern for Iowa State is the Cyclones’ offense. Washington State has the 30th ranked defense in the country, and there’s no question that unit can compete at a high level. It will take a big performance from Brock Purdy and David Montgomery, along with a big game from the Cyclones’ up-and-down offensive line, to outrace the Cougars.

This will be a close one, I have no doubt. I just have doubts about the Cyclones’ scoring chops. Give me the Cougs by a field goal in a thriller.