Andrew Harrington, sports editor (2-1)

Iowa State 31, Baylor 28

Iowa State is 3-0 and has impressed some fans in Ames so far this season. With some improved ball security and defensive fundamentals, the Cyclones could do some damage during Big 12 play.

This game is arguably the toughest call of the season for me personally.

The last time I thought this long on a game pick was ahead of the CyHawk game, and I wrongfully picked against the Cyclones. This time, Iowa State has a history of beating Baylor in Jack Trice Stadium, so I will take the Cyclones in a close one.

Hailey Dohnal, assistant sports editor (3-0)

Iowa State 24 Baylor 21

Not only is Iowa State 3-0 but so am I and I’ll be looking for my 4-0 record just like the Cyclones. Nonetheless, I think it’s going to be a close one-possession game. The game against Baylor will determine how strong and consistent Iowa State can be. 

The Cyclones do have some things to improve on such as ball handling and having a quicker run game. However, I think the home-field advantage will be huge for Iowa State, and I think they will be coming out on top in this one. 

It’s a tough pick to make and although this could potentially determine how the rest of the season plays out, it will be in a win in Ames for the Cyclones. 

Christian Royston, sports reporter (2-1)

Iowa State 28, Baylor 24

In the preseason predictions, I had Iowa State taking down Baylor, and I’m sticking to my guns. 

Iowa State’s rivalry with Baylor has been fairly even, with Baylor coming out on top of the series 11-9. However, the matchup seems to favor the home team greatly.

Baylor may be coming off a Big 12 Championship title, but that didn’t stop Iowa State from giving the Bears a scare down in Waco, Texas. Now, with the Bears traveling to Ames, the Cyclones are in a good position to topple their first-ranked opponent and first Big 12 opponent of the year.

Iowa State is on an 11-game winning streak at home when facing Big 12 opponents and hasn’t lost to Baylor in Ames since 2016. Not only that, Iowa State has the best defense in the Big 12 through three games — ranking first in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense — and the Cyclones get their first true test against the Bears.

It may be a close game, but Iowa State should come out on top to start the season with four straight wins for the first time in over 20 years.

Jacob Rice, visual editor 

Baylor 38, Iowa State 31

I find myself switching back and forth between the outcome of this game. Baylor won the Big 12 football championship last year but also recently drafted 6 of their previous starters to the NFL. They have a 2-1 record right now, but I don’t trust the numbers since those wins were against non-power-five teams. 

Iowa State’s 3-0 record looks promising, especially if they remain strong on the defensive side of the ball. If our offense cannot keep up with or surpass Baylor’s, I think this will be a loss for the Cyclones.