2017 Gridiron Staff Picks: Week 13
November 24, 2017
Every week during the year, Brian Mozey, Aaron Marner, Jack MacDonald and a special guest make their predictions for the Iowa State football game. Here are their predictions for the Cyclones’ week 13 game at Kansas State on Nov. 25 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
—
Brian Mozey, Sports Editor (7-4)
Winner: Iowa State
Score: 21-17
It’s going to be a close one. Iowa State is riding a nine-game losing streak against Kansas State, but the Cyclones also haven’t had a team like this in a few years. So, sit back Iowa State fans and enjoy biting your nails and having mixed emotions throughout the entire afternoon.
There’s too much on the line for Iowa State to throw this game away. Kansas State is bowl eligible, but a win for the Cyclones could bring them up to one of the top Big 12 bowl games.
Iowa State will continue to use its dominant players like Allen Lazard, David Montgomery and Zeb Noland along with an unstoppable defense to finish the season out with a win and confidence going into the bowl season.
Aaron Marner, Assistant Sports Editor (6-5)
Winner: Kansas State
Score: 24-23
OK, yes, I’m picking against Iowa State. And really, it has nothing to do with the Cyclones and how they’ve performed this season.
It has everything to do with Kansas State, Bill Snyder and the nine-game winning streak the Wildcats have in this series.
Iowa State hasn’t beat Purple Kansas since 2007, when Gene Chizik was in his first year as a head coach. That’s a long drought. What makes it even worse is that eight of the nine games since then have been decided by eight points or fewer.
Simply put, Kansas State always seems to beat Iowa State, and usually, the games are remarkably close. Give me the Wildcats by the narrowest of margins.
Jack MacDonald, Assistant Sports Editor (5-6)
Winner: Iowa State
Score: 31-24
I know I’m picking Iowa State, but I think this game can go either way. This is an Iowa State team that has two top-5 wins, but this is also a Kansas State team that lost to Oklahoma by just 10 points and defeated Oklahoma State just a week ago. However, it’s also a team that beat Kansas by only 10 points.
To say that it’s been a roller coaster season for both teams would be accurate. The Cyclones are on their third starting quarterback and the Wildcats have also used three quarterbacks this season. But the Wildcats don’t have Joel Lanning, the Cyclones’ Iron Man.
Despite the wildness both teams have battled this year, I think the Iowa State senior class expects nothing less than a win. Allen Lazard and company are 0-3 against the Wildcats, but a win against Kansas state can also boost their bowl resume.
Jake Dalbey, Assistant Digital Editor – Social Media
Winner: Iowa State
Score: 28-24
Despite Iowa State’s occasionally stout defense, I see this game as an offensive shootout between two teams who have the weapons to score big.
Iowa State should have the edge in skill players with both Kempt and Montgomery having a big day against K-State’s run defense ranked just outside the top 20.
Given Iowa State’s sometimes inconsistent offensive momentum, Kansas State will look to keep the score close making turnovers a must for the Cyclones.
Hopefully above all, the senior class will look to end the year with some of the momentum and magic felt midseason. This will be a nail biter.