Iowa State vs. Kansas fearless prediction and game preview.
Broadcast
Date: Saturday, November 3
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Network: FOX Sports Net
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Iowa State (4-3) vs. Kansas (3-5) Game Preview
One Reason Why Iowa State Will Win
What is Iowa State doing so well that’s making it so good?
The rise of QB Brock Purdy has been great, but it’s the defense that’s getting the job done with big plays behind the line – the Cyclones are killing good offenses with a whole slew of tackles for loss – and David Montgomery has gone full David Montgomery.
The star running back has rushed for four straight 100-yard games – when he’s been healthy enough to go – hitting West Virginia for 189 yards and a score, and grinding out 125 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries against Texas Tech.
No surprise, it’s taking all the pressure off of Purdy.
The Kansas run defense is okay, not great, and the O line is getting killed by good defenses that can get into the backfield.
One Reason Why Kansas Will Win
It’s just this simple. Kansas has to win the turnover battle.
It’s a try-hard team that’s always pushing and always battling, but it’s all about the takeaways.
Granted, the big plays that came against Central Michigan and Rutgers were against, well … Central Michigan and Rutgers. Those are two of the worst teams in college football.
Last week, the Jayhawks came up with two takeaways against the reeling TCU Horned Frogs, and that turned out to be the difference in the 27-26 win.
KU was +6 in turnover margin against CMU, +6 against Rutgers, and +2 against TCU. 3-0.
Below the +2 mark this year? 0-5.
It is possible to force Iowa State to turn the ball over – it’s come up with multiple giveaways twice this year – but …
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What’s Going To Happen
It doesn’t turn it over in bunches.
Iowa State is playing too well and too tight right now on both sides of the ball, with the defensive front setting the tone.
This is by no means a perfect Cyclone team, but the run defense has been phenomenal, and Purdy and Montgomery have cranked up the O.
They’re not going to give the ball away enough for Kansas to win.
Fearless Prediction & Line
Iowa State 40, Kansas 17
Line: Iowa State -14.5, o/u: 48
ATS Confidence out of 5: 4
Must See Rating: 2
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