Arizona Vs Iowa St 🏈 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 9/27/25 4pm ESPN

WILD · September 22, 2025, 05:57:51 PM

Arizona Vs Iowa St 🏈 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 9/27/25 4pm ESPN

As the autumn chill settles over Jack Trice Stadium, No. 14 Iowa State (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) prepares to host the undefeated Arizona Wildcats (3-0) this Saturday at 6 p.m. CT in a highly anticipated Big 12 opener. The Cyclones, fresh off a hard-fought 24-16 victory at Arkansas State, face a formidable challenge from an Arizona squad riding the momentum of a 23-17 upset over Kansas State in Tucson. With both teams unbeaten and ESPN's cameras rolling, this "White Out" clash promises to be a defining moment in the early conference race, pitting Iowa State's disciplined defense against Arizona's dynamic offense.

Arizona, under second-year coach Brent Brennan, has transformed into a Big 12 contender behind sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita, who has completed 68% of his passes for 712 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions through three games. Running back Ismail Mahdi, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after a 189-yard performance against Kansas State, anchors a ground game averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The Wildcats' defense, ranked first nationally with 12 passes defended, has been a quiet strength, though their 11 red-zone penalties – the most in FBS – could prove costly against Iowa State's opportunistic unit. Brennan emphasized preparation after the bye week, stating, "We've had time to sharpen our focus, but Iowa State's physicality will test every facet of our game plan." Arizona's ability to protect the ball and navigate a raucous road environment will be critical.

Iowa State, one of only two FBS teams with a 4-0 start, counters with a balanced attack led by junior quarterback Rocco Becht, who has thrown for 860 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception while showcasing poise in tight contests. The Cyclones' ground game, which churned out 46 carries in their last outing, leans on a stout offensive line and versatile tight ends who exploit run-pass options. Defensively, coordinator Jon Heacock's 3-3-5 scheme, anchored by disruptive tackle Domonique Orange, has held opponents to 14.5 points per game, ranking among the nation's best. Coach Matt Campbell praised his team's resilience: "From Dublin to Iowa City, we've faced adversity and grown stronger. Arizona's speed is a challenge, but we're built for this moment." With oddsmakers listing Iowa State as a 7.5-point favorite and a game total of 49.5, the Cyclones aim to leverage their home-field advantage, where they've won 12 of their last 15.

This marks Arizona's first trip to Ames since a 17-14 Iowa State win in 1968, and the stakes feel exponentially higher. For the Wildcats, a victory would cement their arrival as a Big 12 force; for the Cyclones, it's a chance to solidify their top-15 status. Analysts project a tight contest, with one outlet predicting a 31-21 Iowa State win, citing their defensive depth and home crowd energy. As both teams vie for early supremacy in a wide-open conference, Saturday's clash will hinge on execution in the trenches and discipline in the clutch. Expect a battle that could resonate far beyond the Iowa plains.

Iowa St is favored at -6.5 and the Over/Under is 49.5 points

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Cyclones!

BEARDOWN!!!

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|ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ| · September 22, 2025, 08:42:18 PM

Iowa State is pretty good, but so are we.
Brennan will have the boys ready for battle.
A road win here could vault us into the Top 25, although a high placing in the Others Receiving
Votes category would be the more likely outcome.

KansasCityCats · September 23, 2025, 05:40:41 PM

Iowa state is well coached and has solid plays at the important positions but overall, they aren't very strong. They were lucky to sneak by K-State, Iowa and Arkansas State.

Hopefully their offense continues to struggle.