Good Cop: Kayde Sheaffer
With a devastating 41-27 Cyclone loss against BYU, I think during this time of year we don’t need more tricks, and it’s time for a treat as Iowa State faces Arizona State on Saturday.
I think there are lots of odds in favor of the Cyclones. For one, revenge is on the mind after an embarrassing Big 12 Championship loss to the Sun Devils last year that put our perfect season to an end, alongside a deep case of redemption in hopes of breaking a three-game skid.
Despite a change in mindset for the Cyclones coming into the game, Iowa State also has some promises on the gridiron.
After a beautiful 75-yard pass from redshirt junior quarterback Rocco Becht to sophomore wide receiver Brett Eskildsen in the first nine seconds of the game against BYU, there is no doubt that the Cyclones’ offense is alive and well.
Along with the Cyclones, new and improved junior running back Carson Hansen is back from injury, and has accomplished over 200 rushing yards combined with junior running back Abu Sama III against BYU. Fan favorite redshirt sophomore kicker Kyle Konrardy is also back on the gridiron, so there is no telling what this team can bring Saturday.
For Arizona State, I could not say the same. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt, graduate offensive lineman Ben Coleman and redshirt senior safety Xavion Alford were dubbed out for the game. Along with star redshirt junior wide receiver, leading pass-catcher and projected first-round NFL Draft pick Jordyn Tyson listed as doubtful, the Sun Devils’ offense does not seem as bright.
With 10 Sun Devils players out, Arizona State is a completely different team, and the Cyclones’ defense should have no trouble going up against a less-than-average team. Especially with redshirt senior quarterback Jeff Sims stepping in for Leavitt, who’s only played in five games so far this season, and has 182 passing yards and 102 rushing yards.
So in the grand scheme of things, I think Iowa State is going to win this game not necessarily because they are prepared for this game, but more so because Arizona State is lacking the depth offensively to win against the Cyclones. This should be an overall easy win for Iowa State.
Score Prediction: Iowa State 27, Arizona State 24
Bad Cop: Ford Griffith
After the Cyclones started the season 5-0, a lot of people may have thought this team could match the double-digit win season from last year, but a three-game skid has shifted those thoughts in the opposite direction.
Given the roster that the Cyclones had and the brand of defense it was playing during those first five games, I would have probably agreed with people who thought 10 or more wins were possible. Unfortunately, injuries have depleted the Cyclone defense.
Iowa State gave up an average of 14.2 points per game during the five-game win streak to open the season, but that number is up to 34.33 during the past three losses. There is no hiding the fact that losing defensive backs Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, along with other injuries, has allowed opponents to dice up the secondary.
He is currently listed as doubtful, but if Arizona State wide receiver Tyson plays Saturday, he could torment the Cyclone defense. On most of the draft boards for the 2026 NFL draft, Tyson is the top receiver prospect, and he has averaged over eight catches and nearly 90 yards per game this season.
Another area of the game that the Sun Devils have dominated is the time of possession. With 50 more minutes of time of possession compared to their opponents, the Sun Devil defense has been well-rested.
If the lopsided time of possession continues against Iowa State, the Cyclone defense could be worn out and tired by the time the fourth quarter rolls around. Seeing how BYU dominated the Iowa State defense late in the game a week ago, it could get the Cyclones in trouble again this week.
The Cyclones’ offense would also need to take care of the ball, which they have had trouble with in the past couple of weeks. Against Colorado, redshirt junior quarterback Becht threw an interception, and he threw three against BYU.
Unfortunately for Iowa State, the three-game losing streak has brought the vibes down to a level Cyclone fans haven’t seen since 2023, and this game does not feel like the one for them to get back to their winning ways.
The Big 12 Championship rematch may not be as hyped up as it was expected to be at the start of the year, but it definitely still means something to players on both sides. Depending on the status of Tyson and the rest of the Sun Devils’ health, the Cyclones can win, but it doesn’t feel that way right now.
Score Prediction: Arizona State 27, Iowa State 21
