Gridiron Staff Picks: West Virginia

A+Cyclone+goes+for+a+tackle+against+Oklahoma+on+Oct.+29

Tyler Coe

A Cyclone goes for a tackle against Oklahoma on Oct. 29

Andrew Harrington, Sports Editor (4-4)
Iowa State 27, West Virginia 23

If Iowa State does not win this game, the team may go winless through Big 12 play. West Virginia also comes into the game with a 3-5 record.

In five Big 12 games, the least amount of points the Mountaineers have given up is 38.

Iowa State has struggled offensively in Big 12 play, but matching up with West Virginia could help turn things around.

I cannot imagine the Cyclones putting up 38 points like the other teams facing West Virginia; however, I think Dekkers will get things going in a win.

Hailey Dohnal, Assistant Sports Editor (3-5)
Iowa State 24, West Virginia 21

Because Iowa State and West Virginia have the same record, I’d expect this game to be fairly neck and neck.

Without a win this weekend, only one home game remains. It’s already tough enough to get a win on the road, let alone a win when you don’t have a Big 12 win under your belt.

I’m going to take Iowa State for yet another week; however, things may change if they don’t come out with a win. Although Campbell has expressed how close the team is to a win, I’m still waiting to see it happen.

If Dekkers and the offense can have a strong run and passing game, I think it will help the Cyclones get past the Mountaineers a little easier.

I see them winning with a Jace Gilbert field goal and a breath of fresh air after grabbing their first Big 12 win of the season.

Christian Royston, Sports Reporter (3-5)
West Virginia 26, Iowa State 20

I may be giving up on the Cyclones too soon, but at this point, I think there’s no hope left for them this season. Every week yields the same outcomes, and every week Campbell says things will change when they don’t.

Maybe that’s a pessimistic way to look at things, but I think the five-straight losses speak for themselves. When it comes down to it, the offense just doesn’t look good enough to compete with teams in the Big 12 Conference.

I underestimated Oklahoma, and that bit me in the butt, so I’m not going to make the same mistake with West Virginia. Sure, the Mountaineers’ defense is shakey, but their offense has shown it can compete in shootouts.

West Virginia took Kansas to overtime and hung with an undefeated TCU team last week.

The Mountaineers also topped Baylor, a team that got the better of Iowa State. I think signs pointing to a Cyclones win are too obvious, so I’m going the other way and picking the Cyclones to extend their losing streak Saturday.

Molly Blanco, Managing Editor
West Virginia 21, Iowa State 17

To be honest, I don’t know much about football. But what I do know is that we lost to West Virginia last year, so I think we’ll do it again.

It’s safe to say the Cyclones’ performance so far this season has been lacking, and I’ve lost a lot of optimism given our losing streak.

While we might not have the momentum to win, I predict West Virginia will merely skate to a win this weekend. The home-team advantage might give the Cyclones the slight edge they need to avoid completely embarrassing themselves in another game.