Iowa State:
Jayden Higgins – Wide Receiver
Higgins has been a big part of this Cyclone offense in the four games played, but against Oklahoma State he was not targeted as much. He finished the game with only one reception that went for 12 yards, as other receivers like Jaylin Noel and Daniel Jackson got most of the targets.
Higgins has proven that he is a big part of the Cyclones’ offense and has complemented quarterback Rocco Becht well as he’s racked up 13 catches for 153 yards, as well as collecting two touchdowns. His biggest game came against Iowa, where he had eight receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.
The Oklahoma defense, however, has not allowed a single receiver to get over 75 yards yet in the four games they have played in. The Sooners will be looking to cover guys like Noel and Jackson, so expect to hear Higgins’ name called on Saturday.
J.R. Singleton – Defensive Lineman
Singleton had himself a game to remember versus the Oklahoma State Cowboys, as he picked up his first-ever collegiate sack. The sack gave the Cyclones a major boost in momentum as he got Cowboy quarterback Alan Bowman for a 17-yard loss.
However, Singleton has still been an underrated piece of the Cyclones’ defensive line, as he is entering his fourth season with Iowa State. In those four years, he has collected 28 total tackles, 11 solo tackles, three tackles for a loss and has forced two fumbles.
It will be interesting to see if the Cyclones’ defensive line can get to Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel, as he’s only been sacked a total of three times in four games. Two of those sacks came from their matchup with the Cincinnati Bearcats. Look for Singleton to make his presence felt against the Sooners’ offensive line in the run game and the pass game.
Chase Contreraz – Kicker
Contreraz is coming off of a bounce-back game against Oklahoma State, where he went two-for-two in field goals and four-for-four in extra points. The field goals were from 51 yards and 46 yards, both kicking into a strong wind. That performance helped him receive Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors, showing just how important of an acquisition he was for Iowa State.
The Nebraska transfer has been a massive upgrade at kicker for Iowa State after an underwhelming special teams season the season prior. Contreraz has made five of his eight field goal attempts so far this season, one of which was blocked, and has been perfect in extra points, going nine-for-nine so far.
Against Oklahoma, expect to see Contreraz out on the field a lot more. The Sooner defense has been a force to be reckoned with as they’ve only given up three total offensive touchdowns this season. Iowa State will need to rely on Contreraz to keep them in the game against a powerhouse like Oklahoma.
Oklahoma:
Dillon Gabriel – Quarterback
Gabriel has been nothing less than sensational for the Sooners, as he’s been lighting up every defense he has faced. He has already thrown for over 1,200 yards on a 78% completion rating with 12 passing touchdowns and only one interception.
The Cyclones’ defense has done a great job limiting most of the opposing quarterbacks to 170 passing yards or less, with Bowman being the only exception when he threw for 278 yards. Iowa State has also been known to make plays on the ball, as they have five interceptions on defense, led by defensive back Jeremiah Cooper with three.
Gabriel has clearly shown that he is aware of his surroundings and knows where he wants to throw the ball. Especially with the weapons that he has at his disposal, Oklahoma has been a dominant team to battle against. Expect Iowa State’s defense to have their hands full against the former UCF transfer Saturday.
Andrel Anthony – Wide Receiver
Another big key to Oklahoma’s success this season has been Anthony. He has by far been Gabriel’s favorite target, as he has collected 21 receptions for 371 yards for one touchdown this season.
Needless to say, the Michigan transfer has made a name for himself on this Sooners’ offense after an underwhelming 2022 season. In the upcoming matchup against Iowa State, Anthony could have some trouble getting the ball in his hands against a tough Cyclone defensive back group.
Iowa State’s defense has not allowed a single receiver to get over 60 yards receiving through four games. Anthony has proven to be a problem for opposing defenses, so look for him to go out there and make plays for the Sooners.
Danny Stutsman – Linebacker
The leader of Oklahoma’s defense has no question been Stutsman. He seems to be everywhere on the field and never misses a step.
So far through four games, Stutsman has 43 total tackles, 19 solo tackles, two sacks and a pick six. That comes as no surprise, as he is coming off of a monstrous 2022 season where he had 124 total tackles, 70 solo tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
Stutsman will no doubt be a huge problem for Iowa State’s offense as he can disrupt any play that comes his way. Expect Stutsman’s name to be heard many times throughout the game as he gives Iowa State problems all day.
