Aaron Marner (6-3)

Sports editor

Iowa State 38

Kansas State 13

Everything about this game is telling me to pick Kansas State.

The Wildcats have won two games in a row after a rough start to the Big 12 slate. They’ve only allowed 23 points in the last two games, by the way. And Kansas State has something to play for, since its record is currently 5-6 and one more win would get the Wildcats into a bowl game.

On top of that, Iowa State has slowed down as of late. Baylor kept it close with the Cyclones on Nov. 10, and last week Texas rolled right past Iowa State in Austin.

Oh, and did I mention Kansas State has won 10 in a row against Iowa State (and 24 of the last 28)?

Here’s the thing: most games in this series lately have been really, really, really close. Only one of the last 10 — a 41-7 Kansas State win in 2013 — has been decided by more than one possession.

Iowa State will change that Saturday. I expect the Cyclones to get out to an early lead and keep it. The nightmares of the last decade of Farmageddon will end this weekend for Cyclone fans. This one will be out of reach midway through the third quarter, and Iowa State will send its seniors off with a decisive win over Bill Snyder and the Wildcats.

Trevor Holbrook (4-5)

Assistant sports editor

Iowa State 17

Kansas State 18

I’m rolling with Bill Snyder’s Wildcats. Until the Cyclones knock off Kansas State, I’m picking against Iowa State.

I think Iowa State is the better team this year, but I think Kansas State has the recipe for success against the Cyclones.

Recently, Iowa State’s struggled to defend the run. Conveniently for Kansas State, the Wildcats are heavy in the run department offensively. I expect Kansas State to run on Iowa State successfully, but I think the Cyclones will stand tall in the red zone (similar to the game against Baylor).

With the ability to run the ball, the Wildcats with control the time of possession. Iowa State’s offense with struggle to get in a rhythm, but junior running back David Montgomery will bounce back with 100-yard game and a score.

It won’t be enough, though, and Snyder leaves Ames with another win, continuing Iowa State’s drought against the Wildcats.

Noah Rohlfing (6-3)

Assistant Sports Editor

Iowa State 21

Kansas State 16

Folks, who knows what’s going to happen in this one.

The Cyclones haven’t won against Kansas State in 10 years, since the legendary Ron Prince was making my dad have conniptions. It’s been a decade of disappointment, frustration and downright anger for many Iowa State fans.

So take heart, Cyclones: I believe the streak ends this weekend. There’s too much heading in Iowa State’s favor. A solid freshman quarterback, a dynamic running back and a record-setting wideout will cause problems for a Wildcat defense that plays much better in Manhattan than on the road.

Maybe I’m wrong here. Maybe the Wizard of Manhattan keeps the streak alive, and maybe Iowa State fans will just have to ask when it will ever happen again or if it will ever happen.

But if there was any year for Iowa State to do it, it’s this year. A late David Montgomery touchdown seals the deal and gets a decade-long monkey off the Cyclones’ back. I think. Maybe.