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The Kansas Jayhawks taking on the Iowa State Cyclones today in Lawrence for Homecoming. But the 4-0 start has a lot more people interested in this game, and so I decided to revive a series that I used to do before games. To help with that, I connected with Matthias Schwartzkopf of Wide Right & Natty Lite to dive into some of the biggest questions surrounding today's opponent.

While the offense hasn’t exactly been awful, it’s been nowhere near as productive as we are used to seeing from Iowa State. What has been the biggest issue this year?

Some may argue that the offense is exactly what Matt Campbell wants it to be. A grind it out and don’t make mistakes type of offense. What I am viewing it as right now is a failure to adapt to new personnel and change with that personnel. You got a big arm quarterback and speed receivers. So why again are they not stretching the field more? It’s coaching. I am not saying this staff is bad. Far from it. I think they are so stuck in their ways they won’t make the changes to make this a more dynamic offense that it certainly has the capability of doing.

The defense has looked pretty good, but they haven’t necessarily been tested extensively, with Baylor being the only team that has had an above average attack. What is the feeling around this defense so far?

I think it is one that has a very good run defense but linebackers that make mistakes at times. It also has a secondary that was extremely inexperienced coming into the season that is making strides faster than I imagined. By seasons end they are going to be pretty well rounded. Just need more games under their belt. It certainly will be another added test under their belt this weekend but it is certainly one that John Heacock’s defense is built for.

The Jayhawks have one of the best offensive attacks in the country. What will Iowa State need to do in order to limit what Kansas can do offensively? Can they?

Stop the run and get off the field on third downs. Same formula as Baylor. While Kansas does take big chunks out throw the air per pass it’s not like they are slinging it around the yard 60 times a game. Stop the run and you have a chance and of course they can. John Heacock is one of the best defensive minds in the country, there is a reason that Clemson and others have come to Ames to work with him.

The last time these two teams played in Lawrence, there was a huge contingent of Iowa State fans. Saturday’s game is expected to be a sellout with a big majority of Kansas fans. How much of a difference do you think that could make?

No offense but Iowa State was just in Kinnick Stadium three weeks ago and that is way more of a nasty environment than they will face down in Lawrence. I am sure you will still see a decent amount of Iowa State fans at the game these folks had been buying tickets to the game well before Kansas went on the run.I don’t really see the crowd playing a factor it’s going to come down to the product and execution on the field.

Give me one player who is going to stand out for Iowa State on each side of the ball.

Xavier Hutchinson on offense. He will be targeted a ton and he is on pace to become Iowa State’s all-time reception leader by the end of the season.

Will McDonald on defense. Little banged up apparently but if he is healthy he is due for a big game here. Let’s see what he has this week.

Prediction Time! Who wins on Saturday, and how do they do it?

This is a pissed off Iowa State team still trying to find out who they really are post Brock Purdy. Still a ton of talent there and I think that talent can match up with this Kansas team. I think Iowa State will do enough to limit the damage on the run and take their chances in the pass game. Give me Iowa State but close.

Iowa State 27, Kansas 24

A big thanks to Matthias for sharing some perspective on the Cyclones. And make sure you check out the Q&A I did with them over on WRNL.

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