Andrew Harrington, sports editor (2-2)
Iowa State 37, Kansas 31
Saying that I have struggled in staff picks so far this year is an understatement.
If I pick Iowa State to win, they lose, if I pick Iowa State to lose they win. With that being said, this pick will be the one to get me back on track.
The Cyclones will be the ones to take down Kansas and end its undefeated run. I think that Jalon Daniels is currently one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and the Jayhawks will get their points. On the flip side, I haven’t seen much that has impressed me from the Kansas defense.
I’ll take Iowa State in a shootout that will end in a key defensive stop in the red zone for the Cyclones.

Hailey Dohnal, assistant sports editor (3-1)
Iowa State 24, Kansas 21
Although I found my first loss last weekend along with the Cyclones, I plan to bounce back just like Iowa State plans to do against the Jayhawks.
It is said that under Matt Campbell, Iowa State won 60% of games following a loss. With that information, I feel that Iowa State will be able to come out on top in this one.
While Kansas is currently undefeated and has a strong quarterback, I think Iowa State will use its frustration and momentum for the Baylor loss and show everyone the team they truly are.
Obviously, I do believe this will be a blowout game. I see each team putting up points along with making some silly mistakes.
Nonetheless, as I tend to do with most of my picks, I see Iowa State keeping it close with Kansas and winning with a field goal.

Christian Royston, sports reporter (2-2)
Iowa State 35, Kansas 28
This matchup is a toss-up for me. In the past, I would have taken Iowa State by 50 in a heartbeat. This year, with the way Kansas has been playing, I’m not sure what to think.
One thing I know is that it’s going to be a shootout. Iowa State showed how explosive its offense can be early in the season. On the other hand, Jalon Daniels looks like he can take on any team in the nation.
I also don’t think we can rely too much on past trends since the Jayhawks continue to surprise. In my eyes, the wins against Houston and Duke were a statement. Kansas is here to compete.
All things considered, the Cyclones have a lot to prove as well. After starting 3-0, the last thing Iowa State wants to do is start Big 12 play with two straight losses.
I think this game is going to be closer than ever, but after the dust settles, the Cyclones will come out on top.

Maximillian Lisowski, opinion editor
Iowa State 17, Kansas 24
To be quite honest, I think the Cyclones will have a tough time dealing with Kansas this weekend. I don’t have a concrete reason as to why, but it’s my gut feeling.
While I don’t follow college football closely, I think that if the Cyclones do not manage to stop the Jayhawks’ offense early on, it could be a long game of catch up.
Playing from behind is nothing new to the Cyclones, but I think (and I hate to say it) Kansas will surprise the Cyclones and come out on top.