Both teams are coming off disappointing results last week and are chasing their first Big 12 win of the season. WVU (3-1) lost to Oklahoma State, 41-24, while Iowa State (2-2) lost at home to No. 15 Utah, 31-17. Both teams are looking to right the ship as they get into conference play, but only one will leave this game victorious. It is also homecoming weekend for Iowa State, so the Cyclones will want to duplicate the last game the Mountaineers played in Ames on homecoming weekend. They won 31-14 in 2022. The game kicks off at noon ET from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, and it will be aired live on TNT. Read more: Keys to the game: WVU travels to Iowa State in Big 12 road opener.
Iowa State preview
Jimmy Rogers is in his first year as the head coach at Iowa State after spending time as Washington State’s head coach last season and as South Dakota State’s head coach from 2023-24. Rogers, along with defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit, introduced a four-man front this season when they took over. It has produced seven sacks, including three from Washington State transfer Isaac Terrell.
Related: WVU is knocking on the door. Now it has to walk through it
Terrell is just one of 15 players who came to Iowa State from Washington State with Rogers. Most of them were on the defensive side, while only two followed from the offensive side. Sullivan Schlimgen was one of those defensive players and is currently leading the Cyclones with 35 total tackles from his middle linebacker position. Carson Willich also played for Rogers last season and is second on the team with 24 total tackles. Brody Miller, another former Cougar, is third on the team with 15 total tackles.
The offense is led by Jaylen Raynor at quarterback. He has a 54.3% completion percentage for 639 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. Aiden Flora leads the team with 382 rushing yards on 51 carries, for an average of 7.5 yards. Raynor is second with 137 yards. They both have three touchdowns on the ground. Omari Hayes leads the team with 11 receptions for 156 receiving yards. Tight end Vince Benetti leads the team with two touchdowns.
Establish the run early
The Mountaineers have not had trouble establishing the ground game this season, but they cannot become one-dimensional. Iowa State is 43rd in the nation, allowing 113.8 rushing yards per game. The passing attack has been nonexistent, and teams are able to stack the box to attempt to eliminate Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr.
Cook ran 29 times for 193 yards last week against Oklahoma State. He should have another good day on the ground, but the workload is concerning. That amount of carries takes a toll on even the best running backs. Hawkins had 28 carries for 103 yards and three touchdowns. That brings his touchdown total to nine on the ground this season, while Cook has three. They should continue to roll, but the Mountaineers must incorporate a threat in the air to remain competitive in the Big 12.
Stop the run
Iowa State’s identity is centered around their rushing attack. The Mountaineers are the second-worst team in the conference at defending the run, allowing 144.3 rushing yards per game. They must tackle well and force Raynor to beat them through the air. The only teams behind WVU in the conference in passing yards per game are Iowa State and UCF.
Related: Get-in prices around the Big 12: Week 5
The Cyclones have struggled to get many explosive plays on the ground, though. The longest run last week against a stout Utah defense was 18 yards, and they managed 111 total rushing yards. West Virginia should be able to contain this offense with sure tackling.
Weather the environment
Weather is not expected to be a factor in this game, but the crowd could be a problem. It is homecoming weekend, and Jack Trice Stadium should be packed. West Virginia plays fast on offense, and the crowd could affect that. They must have superb communication and avoid any penalties that kill momentum.
Stay up to date with WV Sports Nation for more WVU Athletics coverage by downloading the WV Sports Nation app.
