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In this new-look Big 12, Iowa State football fans might be wondering: What games should I be looking forward to most?
Texas and Oklahoma have darted for the SEC, but a host of schools from the West will be joining the fold this season to make things interesting. The Cyclones return more most production and consistency than almost any other team. That steadiness should come in handy in an upcoming season of unknown.
Here are the six most intriguing games on the Iowa State football schedule this fall:
1. Sept. 7 at Iowa
Following what should be (emphasis on should considering last year’s slip-up at Ohio) a comfortable win over North Dakota, we’re going to find out a lot about the Cyclones in Week 2 against their rival.
The Hawkeyes will be stout once again with many starters returning on the defensive side of the ball, headlined by seniors Deontae Craig, Yahya Black, Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson, Sebastian Castro, Jemari Harris and Quinn Schulte. One of the few non-senior starters who could be in for a breakout season is Xavier Nwankpa, a former five-star recruit in line to be the next star safety for the Hawkeyes.
The offense should have a slightly new look with Tim Lester becoming the new offensive coordinator. He’ll likely have a healthy Cade McNamara after his season was cut short early following an injury.
With one of the nation’s elite defenses and an offense led by a quarterback who, when healthy, has taken a team to a College Football Playoff, the Hawkeyes are a dark-horse contender for a playoff spot. A victory for the Cyclones at Kinnick Stadium would get everyone’s attention.
2. Nov. 23 at Utah
If everything goes right for these programs and their expectations, this could be a Big 12 title game prequel.
Utah has been one of the most consistent programs in college football over the last decade. The Utes have won eight…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-football-schedule-2024-110627045.html
Author : The Des Moines Register
Publish date : 2024-06-20 11:06:27
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