Oklahoma vs. Iowa State: Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Big 12 game in our Iowa State vs. Oklahoma preview and prediction.
Game Info
7:00 p.m. Central Time, Saturday November 9th, 2019, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma.
TV: FOX
Iowa State Radio: Cyclone Radio Network
Oklahoma Radio: Sooners Sports Network
Spread: Oklahoma (-14)
Fun Fact: Lincoln Riley has only lost one home game since taking over in 2017. That lone home loss came against Iowa State back in the 2017 season.
Key Players
Iowa State
QB Brock Purdy
Outside of his performance against Oklahoma State, Brock has been having a solid season thus far. He has thrown for 15 touchdowns on 7 picks and he is completing 68.5% of his passes this season which is incredible for a true sophomore. Not to mention, he has added 5 rushing touchdowns as well with over 300 yards rushing. He is going to need a huge performance if his team is to win on the road in Norman.
LB O’Rien Vance
He was out for the Texas Tech game and returned for the Oklahoma State game. When he was fully healthy, he was one of the best pass rushers in the Big 12 and is currently third in the conference in sacks with 6.5. Oklahoma’s weakest part of the offensive line are the tackles so I will be curious to see if O’Rien can make some plays blitzing off the edge.
Oklahoma
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee is not just one of the best wide outs in the Big 12, but in the entire country. He has 816 yards on the season and has already matched his touchdown total from last year (11). Not to mention he is averaging an absurd 22.7 yards per catch which is unheard of. CeeDee is capable of taking any catch for a score and with Iowa State being a little shaky in the secondary, I am sure CeeDee will have plenty of touches in this game.
LB Kenneth Murray
Although he had a quiet game against Kansas State, Kenneth Murray is a damn good football player and has lived up to his potential for most of this season. He is the leader of this Oklahoma defense and leads the team in tackles. He will need to be sideline to sideline for his team on Saturday to try and shut down this Iowa State offense.
Game Plan
Iowa State
I think it would be smart of Iowa State to take a page out of the Kansas State game plan. That’s the formula to beat Oklahoma unless you dare get into a shootout with them. The Cyclones need to feed running back Breece Hall and control the clock as much as they can to keep that Oklahoma offense on the sidelines. Not only do they need to be successful running the football, Brock Purdy will need to make throws that keeps the chains moving and most importantly, take care of the football. Running the football and not turning the football over will be the big keys. Defensively, make Jalen Hurts throw the ball downfield. Don’t let the Sooners use that high-powered rushing attack eat away at your defense.
Oklahoma
The Cyclones have the number one rushing defense in the Big 12 and while I don’t think the Sooners will shy away from running the football, they may have to find more creative ways to. Of course, they love running quarterback Jalen Hurts, but it would be wise for the Sooners to use their backs too in this game unlike the Kansas State game. I believe the Sooners will utilize their receivers and pick on the Iowa State secondary with screens, short slants etc. just like Oklahoma State did. As for the defense, put all the pressure on Brock Purdy. Make him force throws on the road in that hostile environment. Don’t let Iowa State run the football at will.
Prediction
Oklahoma 35, Iowa State: 24
The Cyclones run defense is the best in the Big 12 and going up against the best running offense in the conference in Oklahoma will be an interesting matchup. While I don’t think Iowa State will completely shut down the run game, I think that the Sooners won’t go over 200 yards rushing in this one. Jalen Hurts will have to throw the football and given the up and downs of the Iowa State corners, I trust CeeDee Lamb and Charleston Rambo to make plays when called upon. I think the Cyclones will keep it close with their defense and with some nice plays from Brock Purdy, but it won’t be enough to win on the road in Norman. Lincoln Riley hasn’t forgotten 2017. I’ll take Oklahoma.
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