Iowa State: Jaylin Noel (WR)

Jaylin Noel is my player to watch for Iowa State.

Not because he has been putting up huge performances, but rather because he needs a confidence-boosting performance.

The Cyclones have been using Noel as a gadget-type player, with opportunities to run routes upfield coming few and far between. I think that offensive coordinator Tom Manning has to open up the game plan for Noel, and I think Noel has to step up to the plate as the season moves on.

Noel has just 48 receiving yards over the first two weeks of the season, but has the talent to be amongst the top receivers in the Big 12 conference.

Ohio: Kurtis Rourke (QB)

Ohio’s quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been the biggest bright spot of the Ohio offense. Rourke has passed for 464 yards and thrown four touchdowns with zero interceptions over the first two games.

Rourke has also got the job done with his legs too, rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown.

This will be the most electric quarterback that the Cyclones have faced so far this season, so the Iowa State secondary will need to be locked in.

So far the Iowa State defense has been able to hold it down, but the Cyclones will face another tall task on Saturday.