Morgan Scalley and Jimmy Rogers are set to square off in Ames on Saturday in both of their Big 12 head coaching debuts. Despite both being in year one under new coaching regimes, though, external perceptions of the programs couldn’t be further apart. The hosting Cyclones are viewed as a rebuilding team after losing over 20 transfers in the offseason, while the Utes are a ranked team in pursuit of a Big 12 title appearance. Here are three things to watch for on both sides when the two squads clash on Saturday:
Iowa State: Jaylen Raynor needs to establish himself
Raynor was arguably the crown jewel of Iowa State’s portal haul this offseason, but after a hot start in week one, he was underwhelming in weeks two and three. He averaged under 8 yards per passing attempt against both Iowa and Bowling Green. If the Ute defense is allowed to zero in on the run game, it will be a long day for the Cyclone offense. If Iowa State can show balance offensively, we just might have a game on our hands.
Utah: Stopping Aiden Flora
Aiden Flora has been dominant to start the season, and Utah hasn’t faced a rushing attack as potent as Iowa State’s this season.. The Utes have three safeties and zero defensive linemen among their top seven tacklers. If Flora is able to consistently reach the second and third level, he’ll be able to punish Utah. The line will need to step up to stop him at the point of attack and force Raynor to throw the ball to take a win home from Ames.
Iowa State: Maintain the defense
Iowa State’s defense was excellent against in-state rival Iowa, but gave up two drives at the end of the game to allow the Hawkeyes to escape with a win. It was an overall elite performance, but Iowa won in the margins down the stretch. The Cyclones need to find a way to grind out a four-quarter performance against another physical opponent in the Utes if they want to start conference play on the right foot.
Utah: Get after the passer
While it’s played well through the first three weeks, Iowa State’s offensive line remains its biggest on-paper weakness, particularly in pass protection. The Utah pass rush has been extremely productive to start the year, averaging 3 sacks per game. Raynor hasn’t faced that kind of pressure yet this year. If Utah can get after the passer early and often, it will be difficult for the Cyclones to move the ball.
Iowa State: Capitalize on mistakes
Utah is prone to mistakes. The Utes fumbled twice and threw an interception against Arkansas. Neither fumble resulted in a turnover and the pick didn’t generate any points for the Razorbacks. The Cyclones cannot let those mistakes slide on Saturday. If Iowa State capitalizes on its opportunities, it will have a chance to win this game. If it doesn’t, Utah will be escaping Jack Trice Stadium with a victory.
Utah: Don’t lose focus
Utah, simply put, can’t get complacent. They’ve dominated weeks one through three, that’s less likely to be the case on Saturday in Ames. With a bye next week, Utah can’t afford a slip-up on Saturday. The Utes have positioned themselves well to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff, but a loss to Iowa State on Saturday could undo all that work. The margin for error is slim, arguably nonexistent for Big 12 teams, as we’ve seen the past two years. This is nothing less than a must-win game for Utah.
The game between the Utes and the Cyclones will be televised on FOX. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CST.