The two bottom teams in the Big 12 face off today, with both teams still having a lot to play for hoping for bowl eligibility. The game kicks off at 3:30 on ESPN+. Out staff gives they predictions.
Ashley O’Brien: What a season for the Mountaineers thus far, and not in a good way. The Mountaineers are traveling to Ames, Iowa this weekend and playing Iowa State on the road is always a difficult feat. Add in injuries and the season WVU is having. The Cyclones aren’t having their best season either, as both teams sit at the bottom of the conference. Matt Campbell historically coaches his team well against West Virginia and Neal Brown is still searching for a signature conference road game win. This one is not going to be pretty for West Virginia, and I suspect November is not going to be the best.
ISU 35, WVU 21
Wesley Shoemaker: With the recent road struggles I think there will be an added emphasis on the first quarter for the Mountaineers. JT Daniels is going to have to make plays, but West Virginia will also have to get something out of whatever running back they roll out. I expect the Mountaineers to finally score in the first quarter on the road and I think that will lay the groundwork for how this game will go. Iowa State will battle, but I think the talent and skill players on the offensive side of the ball for West Virginia should be too much. I also expect the Mountaineer defense to take some shots after playing well in the second half last week.
WVU 23, ISU 17
Aaron Parker: With both teams coming in at 3-5 and sitting at the bottom of the Big 12 standings, it’s safe to say both teams are not just in need of a win, but they are desperate. Iowa State comes in with a strong defense, and the Mountaineer offense has not been too efficient over the last two games. However, I think the WVU offense will have a nice day, and I think Bryce Ford-Wheaton will get back on track with a couple of touchdowns. WVU’s secondary is proven to be sub-par, so I think the Big 12 leader in receiving yards, Xavier Hutchinson will have a nice day, but I think WVU comes in and steals a win with a good effort on the defensive line, backed by Jordan Jefferson and Dante Stills.
WVU 28, ISU 24
Matt Natriello: West Virginia is coming off of a disappointing loss at home to #7 TCU. Despite the loss, it should give the Mountaineers confidence to beat an Iowa State team who is still looking for their first conference win. Iowa State’s struggling offense is a good opportunity for the WVU defense to gain confidence and let the offense win the game.
WVU 34, ISU 21
Tyler Prusina: For WVU to beat Iowa State they are going to need their offense to carry them the entire way. It’s clear at this point Neal Brown’s defensive isn’t getting any better. The veteran J.T. Daniels will need to use his experience to help propel WVU to their 2nd big 12 win.
WVU 35, ISU 25
