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| (TheGazette.com) |
Time: 6:00 PM (CST)
Where: Jack Trice Stadium
TV: FSN
Spread: Iowa State (-2.5)
Preview: If you want to see two abysmal units go at each other, tune into FSN on Saturday. The conference's worst offensive team (Iowa State) will tangle with the nation's worst defense (Baylor). Screw Notre Dame-Oklahoma, this is the match up to watch!
Okay, even though this game may be one that the casual Big 12 fan doesn't tune into, it is a huge game for both of these teams. Whoever loses this one is likely not going bowling unless an upset or two happens. So while it may not be appealing to you, it is a very,very important game.
Nobody is quite sure who will start under center for the Cyclones on Saturday. Jared Barnett and Steele Jantz both have been good at times, but the majority of the time has been mediocre. Many Iowa State fans are calling for RS Freshman Sam Richardson to start. I don't see that happening, but if either Jantz or Barnett starts the game off poorly, you can bet you'll see Richardson.
So who has the advantage in the match up between ISU's offense and Baylor's defense? I can't believe I'm saying this, but probably Baylor's defense. Look, Baylor's defense has been piss-poor this year, but look who they have gone up against; West Virginia, TCU, and Texas. Also, Iowa State's offense was atrocious last Saturday especially on 3rd-down, converting 4 out of 17. Even though Baylor's defense is the worst in the nation, I can't see Iowa State scoring 40+ on them.
On the other side of the ball is a pretty decent match up; Baylor's offense vs Iowa State's defense. Besides the WVU game, Baylor had their best offensive game of the season last week in Austin. They racked up 607 yards including rushing for a season-high 255 yards. Last week was Iowa State's worst performance of the year on defense against Oklahoma State. If you take that game away, Iowa State hasn't given up 500 yards in a game and only 400+ once.
Key for Iowa State: Shontrelle Johnson. Iowa State has struggled to establish the ground game all year long. Expect Johnson to have to carry a large load for the Clones on Saturday as neither QB has demonstrated that they can pass effectively and James White, another main ISU RB, is unlikely to play this weekend.
Key for Baylor: Keep doing what you do on offense. If Nick Florence has a Nick Florence-like performance on Saturday, they won't lose. In Big 12 play this year, Florence has had better than a 60% completion percentage in all three games.
Prediction: This is more than likely going to be a very close game. It is Homecoming week in Ames and the crowd will know what is at stake; a bowl birth (unless they are upset by KU). Iowa State needs to turn this into a slow-paced, low-scoring game. However, I can't see that happening nor can I see ISU's offense outscoring Baylor.
Baylor: 31
Iowa State: 27
Follow No Defense Allowed on Twitter - @No_D_Allowed
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