West virginia at iowa state game preview

The Big 12 is one of the most unpredictable conferences in the country. 2-2 Iowa State looks to get over .500 this week against WVU in the second week of conference play. WVU comes into Ames looking to spoil Iowa State’s Homecoming and advance to 4-1.

Iowa State looks to bounce back from week four's 31-17 loss against #13 Utah. The Cyclones looked good in the second half of the game against the Utes, but when it was all said and done, it was too little too late. Iowa State's secondary was carved up by Utah QB Devon Dampier, and the offense was stifled until late. The Cyclones view this week as the best game to have a bounce back being the schools Homecoming. 

Leading the team in passing for the Cyclones is QB Jaylen Raynor. Raynor has tallied 639 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, and a 54.3% completion percentage to start his first year as signal caller in Ames.

On the ground, Aiden Flora, the replacement to Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III in the backfield from a year ago, has played at an elite level. Flora has notched 382 yards on 51 carries with 3 TDs to start the year.

The team's top pass catcher Omari Hayes, has tallied 156 yards on 11 catches aswell. Last week, Iowa State was defeated by Utah 31-17 on Sept. 26. Raynor passed for 205 yards on 21-of-40 attempts (52.5%) with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards and one rushing touchdown. Flora carried the ball 13 times for 54 yards, adding five receptions for 53 yards. Hayes put up 55 yards on five catches.

This Iowa State team has played extremely well for a group that returned zero starters from a season ago. The Cyclones come in ranked at #79 in the country for total scoring offense and #69 in total offense. If Iowa State wants to make a run at the Big 12, they will need much better offensive performances.

For the Mountaineers, leading the charge throwing the ball is Oklahoma transfer QB Michael Hawkins Jr. Hawkins has tallied 609 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT, with a 60.0 completion percentage in 2026. What should worry Iowa State DC Jesse Bobbitt however, is the ability of Hawkins on the ground. Hawkins legs gives the Mountaineers offense a second gear. At running back, Cam Cook has 510 yards on 99 carries, and 3 TDs to start the year.

The Mountaineer’s best pass catcher so far, D.J. Epps brings in 279 yards on 10 catches, and 3 TDs. Epps replaced Cam Vaughn, who transferred to Miami from WVU over the offseason, quite well. The Mountaineers showed the blueprint to the offense in the groups rivalry matchup against Virginia in week three. If WVU can get back to the balance shown against Virginia, expect the group to emerge Saturday with a win

West Virginia was beaten by Oklahoma State 41-24 on Sept. 26. Hawkins led West Virginia with 132 yards on 10-of-22 passing (45.5%) for no touchdowns and one interception. He also carried the ball 28 times for 103 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Cook carried the ball 29 times for 193 yards, adding one reception for 22 yards. Epps recorded 39 yards on two catches.

The weakness of this WVU team is undeniably their defense. If ISU can put up 30+ points, they are in good shape to leave with a victory. If you’re looking for an action-packed game to start your Saturday this week, West Virginia at Iowa State is the game you’re looking for.