Naming Iowa State Players Arizona State Must Focus On

The Sun Devils are due to face another challenging opponent after falling to Houston last week.

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman Prince Dorbah (32) and Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht (3) in action during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils' hopes of another Big 12 title lie in the result of their week 10 road game against the Iowa State Cyclones.

The Sun Devils enter the game sporting a 5-3 record and are 3-2 in the league with four games remaining. The 3-2 record keeps the door open to finish in the top two of the league standings, but they will have to win out and receive help in the form of other teams dropping games on their own end.

Iowa State has lost three games in a row, but the Cyclones are still a quality team, with head coach Kenny Dillingham calling them a virtual reflection of his Sun Devil team in his weekly press conference on Monday.

Arizona State on SI briefly discusses three players who will be key to containing the pursuit of a victory.

Oct 25, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass against the BYU Cougars at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images | Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Rocco Becht

Becht has been a three-year standout at quarterback for the Cyclones - enjoying a strong performance against ASU last year in the conference title game despite the loss.

The redshirt junior has scored 76 total touchdowns in his career - blending timely runs, a strong arm, and high IQ into truly becoming a respectable successor to NFL star Brock Purdy.

Becht is likely the key to an Iowa State win this week after struggling the previous week against BYU.

Abu Sama III

Sama is a junior running back from Iowa that has scored 12 touchdowns on the ground in his career. Sama has yet to provide much value as a receiver, but has now enjoyed three distinct successful seasons as a rusher.

Iowa State Cyclones running back Abu Sama III (24) jumps over Cincinnati Bearcats safety Trevon Gola-Callard (6) as Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jonathan Thompson (22) tackles him in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Iowa State Cyclones at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 4, 2025. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sama is quicker than expected, has strong ball carrier vision, and can be utilized in a number of in-game scenarios.

Carson Hansen is worth mentioning as well, but Sama has received a bit more work overall during the course of the year.

Jamison Patton

Patton has served as the rare playmaker in an Iowa State defense that hasn't generated many sacks nor created many turnovers in 2025.

Patton leads the team with two interceptions, is second with three pass breakups, and has also collected 40 total tackles to this point.

Iowa State defensive back Jamison Patton stands for a portrait during Iowa State football media day at Jack Trice Stadium on July 25, 2025, in Ames. | Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The moral of the story - Matt Campbell once again has a talented team that is absolutely capable of knocking the Sun Devils off this week.

Arizona State and Iowa State are set to face-off on Saturday morning, with a start time that is set for 10 A.M. AZT.

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on why the 2025 football team is at a crossroads following a loss to Houston here.

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