Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Iowa State Cyclones: Complete Game Preview
The Oklahoma State Cowboys welcome the Iowa State Cyclones to Stillwater this weekend after last week's exhilarating victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
This game marks the final game of the Pokes' current four-game homestand and represents a game the Cowboys should (and probably must) win. The Cyclones are 1-3, and Oklahoma State should be the heavy favorites at home.
And that's good news for Pokes fans, as their team really needs this game, with a devastating stretch of games looming after next week's tilt with the Kansas Jayhawks. Oklahoma State really needs to enter that slate of games at 5-1, making a victory here key for the Cowboys' bowl chances.
Will the Cowboys take care of business? Or does Iowa State have it in it to break Oklahoma State's heart in Stillwater? Read on to find out.
Game-Day Information
1 of 6
Who: Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State
When: Saturday, October 4 at 11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET
Where: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (60,218 capacity)
Series History: Oklahoma State leads 27-18-3
TV: Fox Sports 1 (Tim Brando and Brady Quinn)
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen)
Internet: okstate.com
Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 137, XM Channel 199
Oklahoma State's Key to Victory
2 of 6
Control the Line of Scrimmage
Obviously, quality line play is crucial in every game a team plays, but I really think it's going to be the deciding factor in this matchup.
Both teams come into this contest struggles along their offensive lines. Oklahoma State has struggled to run the ball at times, and Iowa State is really no different.
However, the two teams do differ on the defensive side of the ball, where Iowa State is among the Big 12's worst, while Oklahoma State fields one of the deepest and most talented D-lines in the country.
This is an area that Oklahoma State must win. The offensive line needs to show improvement and open up holes for weapons like Desmond Roland and Tyreek Hill. The defensive line, on the other hand, needs to continue dominating and keep Iowa State's rushing attack from ever getting started.
Iowa State's Key to Victory
3 of 6
Go for the Big Play
When Iowa State threatened Kansas State a few weeks ago, it did so on the back of a few big plays that left the Wildcats reeling in the first half.
Wide receiver Jarvis West threw for a touchdown and ran back a punt for another. Then, for good measure, he added another one more traditionally with a 17-yard reception. However, that was where the big plays stopped and Kansas State was able to claw back and claim a victory.
Iowa State will need to make those big plays for 60 full minutes against Oklahoma State if it hopes to win. It'll need to make them early to try and take the crowd out of it. And it'll certainly need them late to keep up with Daxx Garman's jaw-droppingly good deep ball.
It's not going to be easy for the Cyclones, but they certainly have a shot.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Oklahoma State Player to Watch
4 of 6
James Washington
James Washington has five catches so far this season, and three of them are touchdowns. And all three of those scores came on receptions of 33 yards or longer.
Marcell Ateman has probably been Oklahoma State's best receiver this year, but Washington looks like the most electric (outside of Tyreek Hill, of course). He was all over the field against Texas Tech and, if not for two offensive pass interference calls, would've have easily gone over 100 yards and might have added a few more TDs.
It looks like Washington has an excellent connection with quarterback Daxx Garman, leading one to assume that his targets will only go up as Garman becomes more comfortable out there.
Look for Washington to light Iowa State's secondary on fire and add another touchdown or two while topping the century mark in yards for the first time in his young career.
Iowa State Player to Watch
5 of 6
Sam Richardson
Last weekend, Iowa State running backs had 28 yards on 20 carries, while Sam Richardson ran for 99 yards and a score on just 14 carries. Add in his 212 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and you have a solid outing for Iowa State's quarterback.
He'll need to replicate that performance again this weekend, as Oklahoma State's defensive line looks good enough to hold the Cyclones running backs in check once again.
Richardson's going to have to keep his team in the game with his play. If he tosses two or three interceptions or can't get it going on the ground, Iowa State is in trouble. Its secondary isn't good enough to keep Daxx Garman in check, and this one might just turn into a track meet.
Watch Richardson closely this week. His performance means everything for the Cyclones on Saturday.
Final Prediction
6 of 6
I really can't see any way Oklahoma State loses this game.
It owns a talent edge on both sides of ball, will be looking to dominate someone after a relatively unimpressive showing against Texas Tech last week and certainly won't be caught looking ahead to Kansas.
All of that screams a big Oklahoma State victory, and there's really nothing saying the Cyclones have a chance. Look for the Pokes to win this handily.
Oklahoma State 42, Iowa State 28
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
