Iowa State Cyclones vs Kansas Jayhawks Predictions: Setting the Tone

The Kansas Jayhawks just keep winning, even though every game seems to be harder than the last. The confidence from the team is building even as the program gets more recognition, and the real question is how far this team can go before they suffer their first loss.

The Iowa State Cyclones are coming off a difficult loss to Baylor. The defense has looked pretty good, but has yet to play an elite offense. The offense has had its moments, but there are some concerns about if they will ever hit their ceiling. Can they get it going against a Kansas defense that isn't very highly rated?

Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hop over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.

Kyle Davis

Check out our Iowa State Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

I’m genuinely fascinated by this matchup. There’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about KU’s direction and especially the offense’s ascent, but this will also likely be the Jayhawks’ toughest test yet. Can Kansas win a lower-scoring game? Iowa State’s defense is solid if not as good as it’s been in recent years, so if the KU defense can bow up and limit at least a few ISU drives I like the Jayhawks to keep their roll going. Should be a fun one, but I won’t be shocked at all if it’s all a nerve-racking one, too.

Kansas 31, Iowa State 27

Derek Noll

I have no idea if Iowa State is good or if beating Iowa is a good result, and I don’t care. I’m going to focus on the 4-0 Kansas Jayhawks. KU keeps powering along, and I’m all aboard the Kool-Aid chugging train. Or is there even any more need to reference that? Are the Jayhawks legit now? I guess that we’ll find out on Saturday in what will be an electric atmosphere in Lawrence. I’m going to go ahead and say that this one will be close, but we have Jalon Daniels, so it’s gonna be 5-0 baby!

Kansas 42, Iowa State 37.

Lucas Murphy

The Kansas Jayhawks are gaining attention and many believed this team should have been ranked after beating an undefeated Duke Blue Devils. Now the Jayhawks will take on a tough Big 12 opponent in Iowa State. One important factor is this game will be inside another packed Kansas Memorial David Booth stadium. Jaylon Daniels is playing at such an elite level and honestly, the offense as a whole is playing incredibly. As the season continues we are seeing a dual threat in the backfield of Neal and Hishaw which complements Daniels ability to run so well. I anticipate KU’s offense will continue to dominate, but the question for me can the defense hold a tough Cyclone offense? Of course, I am taking the Jayhawks.

Kansas 38, Iowa State 35

Andy Mitts

It is getting harder and harder to not buy in completely to the hype. Jalon Daniels is getting feature stories from pretty much every publication there is. Lance Leipold is appearing on national sports talk shows, and there is a ton of excitement surrounding the team. And this team has been even better than I thought they would be.

But coming into the season, this game was circled as the most difficult one in the first half of the schedule, and I don't think that anything has changed. The defense is rating out in the top 20, and the offense is loaded with a ton of potential, although it seems that they have yet to put it together.

This defense has been susceptible to big plays, but Iowa State has been very reluctant to use them. I'm not sure if it's a lack of confidence by Dekkers or in Dekkers, but Kansas will find ways to stop the slow, methodical drives that Iowa State continues to use. I expect Daniels to build on his Heisman campaign with at least 4 scores, and Kansas rolls to victory.

Kansas 45, Iowa State 38

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