After suffering an upset loss to Cincinnati last weekend, the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones will look to get back on track against the 2-4 Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, Oct. 11. Despite quarterback Rocco Becht throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns, ISU couldn’t close the deal, falling for the first time in the 2025 season. The Buffaloes are still searching for an identity, and with a quarterback controversy brewing in Boulder, things could get interesting down the stretch if Coach Prime’s offense continues to struggle.
Colorado will host Iowa State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the Cyclones entering the Big 12 matchup as 2.5-point favorites and the over/under set at 52.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Omarion Miller (WR, Colorado)
Despite the team’s offensive struggles, Colorado wideout Omarion Miller turned in his best performance of the 2025 season, hauling in six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns. If the Buffaloes can get him involved early and continue building chemistry with quarterback Kaidon Salter, the offense could find its rhythm against a Cyclone defense that just gave up over 470 yards to Cincinnati.
Rocco Becht (QB, Iowa State)
Rocco Becht has emerged as one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the Big 12, leading game-clinching drives against both Kansas State and Iowa. With Colorado’s defense having surrendered 35 or more points in two games this season, Becht has a prime opportunity for another strong showing. His growing chemistry with receiver Brett Eskildsen has added a new dimension to the Cyclones’ offense and opened up the playbook. However, playing in Boulder is never easy, and the altitude and hostile environment could pose a challenge for Iowa State.
Two Key Storylines
Can Kaidon Salter Deliver Under Pressure in a Big 12 Test?
Salter has struggled to find his footing in Boulder, throwing three interceptions in last week’s loss to TCU and topping 300 passing yards just once this season. With Colorado’s offense lacking rhythm and the quarterback room under a microscope, the pressure is mounting for Salter to prove he can lead in Big 12 play. Saturday’s matchup with Iowa State is a pivotal moment, and another shaky outing could force Coach Prime to reconsider his options under center.
Will ISU’s First Loss Spark a Statement Game?
Iowa State started 7–0 last year before losing two straight, and the program can’t let something similar happen in 2025. With questions swirling after last week’s outcome, this is a chance for ISU to reassert itself as a serious contender. The Cyclones have a veteran leader in Becht, whose poise and experience give them a steady hand under center. With several key Big 12 matchups still ahead, Iowa State remains firmly in the title race, and a bounce-back win in Boulder would keep those hopes alive.
Prediction: Iowa State 35, Colorado 17
Colorado’s inconsistency and Salter’s mistakes give ISU an opportunity to win comfortably on the road. Last week’s loss may have been the wake-up call the Cyclones needed, and with the offense starting to find its rhythm in recent weeks, it could be tough for the Buffaloes to keep pace. That said, Colorado has struggled to establish an identity on either side of the ball, and if Salter can’t protect the football, things could unravel quickly.
