Good Cop

By Noah Rohlfing

There was never a doubt. 

Even without Jacob Park, Iowa State handled Oklahoma and pulled off one of the biggest wins in the school’s history. 

I was with my dad’s side of the family (the Oklahoma fans from last week), and let me tell you:

It did not go over well with them. 

Joel Lanning brought back memories of a bygone era with his play on both sides of the ball, and Kyle Kempt put on a performance that should make Oregon State fans wonder what went so wrong for him in Corvallis. Oklahoma was stunned and simply didn’t show up to play in the second half.

Now, my attention must turn to Kansas this Saturday. 

The mighty Jayhawks are 1-4 this year, having lost to the college football powerhouses that are Central Michigan and Ohio by a total score of 87-57. 

I don’t see the Jayhawks winning, even if the Cyclones come out flat after such a huge victory. 

David Montgomery played a masterful game against Oklahoma and it’s crucial that he gets at least 20 touches against Kansas. His ability to make something out of nothing and open up the game for Kempt and his group of speedy receivers. 

One play that Iowa State should continue to utilize is the wide receiver screen. Time after time against Oklahoma, the Cyclones exploited speed advantages in the slot to great effect. The play resulted in two touchdowns and was a constant source of yardage.

Again, this is something I don’t think Kansas can stop. 

A team that is giving up 506.2 yards per game shouldn’t be stopping an Iowa State team running on all cylinders.

I’m sorry, Jayhawks, but you don’t stand a chance. This is a blowout from start to finish.

Prediction:

ISU 45, KU 10

Bad Cop

By Garrett Kroeger

Wow, the Iowa State Cyclones pulled off the biggest upset in week six when they defeated the then-No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners on the road, 38-31. With that win, Iowa State is riding high into Week 7. Bowl chances changed dramatically and everyone around the nation is talking about the cardinal and gold. But now, the Cyclones must face the daunting Kansas Jayhawks.

Now, you probably laughed at the “daunting” part of that last sentence. I mean, the Jayhawks are only 1-4 on the year. So, you calling them daunting is laughable. However, it is the Iowa State way to lose after a monumental victory like the Oklahoma win.

Back in 1992, the Cyclones defeated the No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers, 19-10, on the road. A week later, Iowa State got manhandled by the No. 11 Colorado Buffaloes, 33-10.

Now forward to 2011. After the Cyclones crushed the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ national championship hopes, they proceeded to lose their last three games of the year: Oklahoma, Kansas State and Rutgers. Their loss to the Scarlet Knights was a 14-point defeat in the Pinstripe Bowl. IOWA STATE LOST BY 14 POINTS TO RUTGERS. If that ain’t sad, I don’t know what is.

Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly believe Iowa State has more talent than Kansas. I mean do it all playmaker Joel Vanning, I mean Lanning, and quarterback Kyle Kempt should both be Heisman candidates right now. But come after Saturday’s game, not even the ray of light that is coming back from a 15-point deficit in Allen Fieldhouse will erase the pain when the Jayhawks come in and absolutely ruin the Cyclones’ hopes and dreams.

Prediction:

KU 42, ISU 30