Iowa State vs. UNLV: Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about the Iowa State Cyclones in our Iowa State vs. UNLV preview.
Game Info
9:30 p.m. Central Time, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: CBSSN
Radio: Cyclones Radio Network
Spread: Iowa State -30
Fun Fact: These two programs have played just five times however UNLV won the last meeting back in 2008. That game was also in Las Vegas.
Key Players
Iowa State
Brock Purdy
If there is any player in a Cyclone uniform that needs to have a bounce back performance, it is Brock Purdy. He simply has not looked like his old self quite yet as he has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season. Brock has not thrown the football very well at all in 2021 and he threw three picks in his last game against Iowa. It is time for the turnovers and mistakes to stop and get the ball rolling so this offense can move forward.
DE Will McDonald IV
I love watching this young man play football. He is a special type of player and at times, he can be nearly impossible to stop in pass rush situations. He already has 2.5 sacks so far in two games and I would not be shocked at all to see him get a sack or two on Saturday.
UNLV
The Quarterbacks
I have to say more than one because UNLV has some issues here due to injury. Last week against Arizona State, Doug Brumfield got hurt and Justin Rodgers had to finish the game. Brumfield is listed as day to day but if he can not go on Saturday, it will be Justin’s job once again. Or maybe could we have a Tate Martell sighting?
LB Jacoby Windmon
Jacoby moved to the edge where he does his bets work as a solid pash rusher. Last season, he had five sacks which was the most by a UNLV player since 2013. He is a good player, and he is the best player on defense for UNLV.
Key Storylines
Iowa State
Forget about the Iowa State defense. They have been as good as advertised so far this season if not better. My focus here will be on the Iowa State offense. I want to see Breece Hall have a big game and most importantly, Brock Purdy to have one as well. Thee offensive line needs to set the tone and help get this offense in gear. UNLV is not very good defensively as they gave up nearly 400 yards passing against Eastern Washington in week one before giving up nearly 300 yards rushing last week against Arizona State. There is no reason the Cyclones can’t move the football with ease.
UNLV
This one is going to be tough for UNLV. With quarterback uncertainty going into the game against this Iowa State defense is not going to be good. I have a hard time seeing them put up more than 14 points and defensively, they have been lackluster to say the least.
Prediction: Iowa State 38, UNLV 7
Iowa State gets a much need confidence boost by taking care of business against UNLV. The Cyclones should have no trouble on either side of the ball here and if things go like I expect them to, this game should be over by mid third quarter. The question I have is how much are the Iowa State fans going to drink in Las Vegas? I wish I could go to this game and enjoy it but since I can’t, have a drink for me. I can’t wait to see how many Iowa State fans are at the game on tv.
