Iowa State:
Jaylon Jackson – Running back
It has been a slow start for Iowa State’s rushing attack this season. With only 175 yards on 50 carries from five different runners, needless to say, there’s room for improvement.
Sophomore Abu Sama III was expected to continue his freshman breakout campaign into this season, but it has not correlated yet as he has not even hit the 100-yard mark in two games played. To be fair, Sama wasn’t expected to get a lot of yards against a dominant Iowa defense but has still underwhelmed through these two games.
This leaves a guy like transfer Jaylon Jackson to shine in these struggling times for Sama. While his stats might not jump off the page, Jackson has gotten some key rushes in for when Sama gets brought out for a snap. In two games, Jackson has rushed the ball nine times for 39 yards. Strangely enough, Jackson averages the same yards per carry as Sama, even though Sama more than doubles his carries (4.3).
While I can see Sama getting back to his late freshman form, expect to see a guy like Jackson take advantage of his opportunities to potentially start some conversations of being the starting running back come conference play.
Cael Brezina – Linebacker
One of the biggest problems that Iowa State has faced this season has been trying to deal with the slew of injuries that have come out of the linebacker room. Starting linebacker Caleb Bacon went down with a leg injury on a special teams play in the Cyclones’ first game against North Dakota, while linebacker Will McLaughlin has not gotten an opportunity to play a game yet for Iowa State since he’s also been dealing with an injury.
So, it has come down to the younger guys in the linebacker room to step up and make plays for this Cyclones defense. One of those guys has been freshman linebacker Cael Brezina. Although the Downers Grove, Illinois native has only played one game for Iowa State, he has shown his ability to make key tackles when they are presented.
After missing the first week with an injury, Brezina recorded five tackles, three solo tackles, in the Cyclones’ upset win over Iowa. Brezina’s five tackles would rank third in the linebackers that played against the Hawkeyes, with linebackers Kooper Ebel and Jacob Ellis each having six.
Now going into his second-ever collegiate game, Brezina will be looking to continue his freshman campaign by making a big impact in the linebacker department on Saturday against Arkansas State.
Jeremiah Cooper – Defensive back
Another player who is coming off of a breakout season is junior defensive back Jeremiah Cooper. Cooper was expected to be one of Iowa State’s top defensive players going into this season after his astounding sophomore year.
During his sophomore season, Cooper finished the season with 45 total tackles, 27 solo tackles, 10 pass breakups and his five interceptions that earned him a spot on the First Team All-Big 12. His five interceptions made him second in the conference and sixth nationally for interceptions by a defender.
Now heading into his third game this season, Cooper has yet to flash his ball-hawking abilities like he did earlier in the season last year, as he currently does not have an interception through two games played. He still has, however, played well, as he currently has 11 total tackles, which ranks him fifth on the defense.
Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor is projected to be the starting quarterback for Arkansas State going into Saturday and his track record through three games has not been great, as he’s thrown an interception in each of those games. I expect a guy like Cooper to knab his first interception of the season before heading into conference play.
Arkansas State:
Jaylen Raynor – Quarterback
Despite having the same amount of touchdowns to interceptions this season, the Red Wolves quarterback can still make plays whether it be through the air or on the ground.
Through three games played, Raynor has thrown for 712 yards on a 57.1% completion rating while also having 122 yards on the ground on 38 carries. Strangely enough, Raynor has been out carrying Arkansas State’s lead running back, Zak Wallace, and is only two yards shy of being the team leader in rushing yards.
Iowa State has already faced off with a quarterback similar to Raynor’s skills, as North Dakota quarterback Simon Romfo flashed his ability to use his legs when the passing game was not there. Although Romfo only finished the day having 44 yards on 11 carries, he still had his longest run being a 16-yard rush.
With the Cyclones already having prior experience on a dual-threat quarterback like Raynor and not having success at times stopping his legs, expect to see the Red Wolves play-caller gash Iowa State’s defense for some big runs.
Corey Rucker – Wide receiver
Aside from Arkansas State’s rushing attack, the Red Wolves passing game is led by wide receiver Corey Rucker who currently leads the team in catches (17), receiving yards (265) and is tied for the highest in touchdown receptions (two).
The former South Carolina Gamecock has flashed his ability to be a threat in the passing game, as he’s currently been Raynor’s favorite target this season. Even before and even after his time with South Carolina, Rucker has had at least 450 receiving yards, 16 catches and two touchdown receptions in four seasons spent with Arkansas State.
It’ll be a tough test for the receivers such as Rucker to make an impact on this Cyclones secondary that has yet to give up 50 yards to a single receiver. So look for a receiver like Rucker to make his impact felt if he does get the ball thrown to him.
Trevian Thomas – Safety
One of the biggest pieces that Arkansas State has on defense is safety Trevian Thomas, who has become a ball hawk only three games into the season.
In the three games that the Red Wolves have played, Thomas is leading the team with two interceptions and has 20 total tackles, 11 being solo tackles, which is second highest on the team.
Thomas’ best game this season just came from Arkansas State’s 10-point loss to then-No. 18 Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he led the team in tackles (eight) with an interception as well.
Although Thomas started off his collegiate career with the Red Wolves on a slower note, the past two seasons have solidified himself as one of the key pieces on this Arkansas State defense. Even going back to last season, where he led the team in total tackles with 91.
If there were to be one player on this Red Wolves defense that could give the Iowa State offense some fits, look for Thomas to be that player, whether it be making key tackles or potentially getting an interception off of Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht.
