Matt Belinson, sports editor (2-0)

Iowa State 28, UNLV 9

We’ll finally get to see the Cyclones’ true offense this weekend against UNLV.

Maybe that’s more of a guess than a statement of fact based on how Iowa State has looked through two games. But this is the perfect defense for the Cyclones to get right.

UNLV is allowing 466.5 yards to opposing offenses and 6.3 yards per play through two games. Breece Hall, Brock Purdy and this offense should have a big day to improve to 2-1 on the season.

Sam Stuve, assistant sports editor (1-1)

Iowa State 41, UNLV 6

This is the week I think Iowa State gets the ball rolling offensively. UNLV is 0-2 this season, have lost its last eight games in a row dating back to November 2019 and have yet to win a game in its new stadium. I’m not expecting this game to be its first.

Iowa State’s offense should be able to control the game throughout. Offensively, Iowa State should be able to move the ball down the field against a defense that’s allowed 274.5 yards per game through the air and 193.5 yards per game on the ground.

I think Breece Hall will run for somewhere between 100 to 175 yards and a couple of scores. Meanwhile, I think Brock Purdy will put up his first couple of passing touchdowns of the season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Cyclones have gotten off to a really good start and I think that will continue on Saturday. 

The Runnin’ Rebels should be able to move the ball a bit, more so on the ground than through the air, but I don’t think it’ll lead to a touchdown.

James Powell, assistant sports editor (1-1)

Iowa State 31, UNLV 13

We’re all playing for second after just two weeks, with sports editor Matt already pulling ahead by a game. So I’m looking to get back on track, much like the Cyclones.

After two frankly disappointing weeks of Cyclone offense, they will look to rebound against a UNLV defense that has given up more than 400 yards per game.

Iowa State hasn’t given Cyclones fans much of anything to cheer about when they have the ball on offense. I think that changes, at least in part, this Saturday.

I think that Breece Hall will get back over the 100-yard mark on the ground and score at least two touchdowns, and Brock Purdy will lead his team to a relatively convincing win as they enter Big 12 play.

Omar Waheed, special sections editor 

UNLV 27, Iowa State 0

Hot off an honestly expected loss in my book, Iowa State is not sitting very well with me. Also a good point to note, I’m not big into football. I’m all about sports betting though. For that reason alone, I’m shooting for the underdogs here with UNLV beating Iowa State.

I’m 100 percent about my money when it comes to this and have no real heightened interest when it comes to the game past the cash.

So to make my point completely clear, Iowa State is going to lose and I’m going to make some money on it.