Brett Twelmeyer, Sports Editor (3-1)
No. 16 Iowa State 30, Baylor 20
This game has the capability to be a potential upset. Baylor has been so close to closing out a Big 12 win, but has fallen short all three times thus far.
Iowa State is riding considerable momentum, however, and the shutout win over Houston—on the road, nonetheless—was a major testament to the defense.
Last season, quarterback Rocco Becht and the Cyclones dominated the Bears on the road. Iowa State looks better since that game, and Baylor still does not look fantastic.
All the Cyclones have to do is come out of the gate hot. They cannot wait until the second half for the offense to wake up. The Bears have a few playmakers on both sides of the ball that could make Iowa State pay.
Regardless, the Cyclones have a better offense, and a much better defense than Baylor does. With those simple reasons and the fact that it’s a white-out game at night, let Iowa State stay undefeated.
Remember: Wear white!
Pavle Markovic, Assistant Sports Editor (3-1)
No. 16 Iowa State 33, Baylor 27
After a resounding 20-0 shutout win against Houston to start Big 12 conference play, No. 16 Iowa State has officially started its season 4-0 for the first time since 2000. The Cyclones now have a chance to add to their record by potentially going 5-0 for the first time since 1980.
But that record could be in jeopardy, as Iowa State will host a feisty Baylor team that has come close to taking down a couple of Big 12 opponents. Those being an 11-point loss to No. 18 Utah, a seven-point loss to Colorado in overtime and a six-point loss to No. 17 BYU at home.
Especially with the Cyclones’ recent track record of starting out the first half slower than usual, this could be the one aspect that the Bears could take advantage of and potentially upset Iowa State at home.
Still, I do have faith in the Cyclones to utilize their recent success from the running game, on top of a strong passing game and a stout defense, to get the job done on Saturday.
I do have this game being closer than expected, but in the end, I have Iowa State taking down Baylor in what could be a thriller of a game.
Cayden Storm, Sports Reporter (4-0)
No. 16 Iowa State 34, Baylor 16
Another week has gone by and I still stand alone as the only undefeated sports desk member. That should continue as long as the Cyclones keep winning because I don’t think I’m picking against them any time soon.
That doesn’t mean this week won’t be a test because it certainly could be. Baylor is, in my opinion, the second-best team Iowa State will have faced so far, only behind Iowa.
I think the Bears offense has the potential to give the Cyclones defense the most trouble they have faced all season. That might not be saying a whole lot, given that the best offense Iowa State has faced all season is probably Iowa.
Baylor’s offense is averaging 29.4 points and 368.8 yards per game and has scored more than 30 points in each of its first two Big 12 games. The only problem is that the Cyclones might have the best secondary in the entire conference. I think the Bears quarterback will struggle, just like every single quarterback has to this point.
On the offensive side, I think Iowa State should be in for a more consistent performance this week. I said before that Baylor had scored 30 or more points in its first two Big 12 games. The Bears also ended up losing both of those games, largely due to the defense not being able to get stops.
I think that the Cyclones will get the job done comfortably once again en route to the program’s first 5-0 start in 44 years.
Guest picker (0-0): Claire Cosier, Politics Editor
No. 16 Iowa State 27, Baylor 12
I will always believe in the Cyclones and root for them to win. In this case, Baylor has come up short of two massive games, against BYU and Colorado, while Iowa State remained undefeated.
The Bears will be eager to secure a statement win in a Big 12 with no clear frontrunner. If the Cyclones’ offense starts slow again, they could get into trouble, but I have high hopes with Baylor traveling for a night game. Roll cyclones!
