Oklahoma-Iowa State: AllSooners Staff Picks

John Hoover

The game will be closer than most expect. One, the Sooners often play tough teams close the week before Texas. It's just part of the deal. Two, Iowa State showed a pulse last week against Oklahoma State. And three, the Cyclones' defense, while missing the usual star power, is sound. Can Oklahoma generate a consistent running attack? Can the Sooners dial up big plays through the air against the Cyclones' famous 3-3-5, rush three-drop eight alignment? Blowout sounds a little less likely now, doesn't it? Iowa State will frustrate Dillon Gabriel and confound Andrew Raym and his line mates, but the Sooner defense comes close to pitching a shutout.

Final: Oklahoma 23, Iowa State 7

Ryan Chapman

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Despite the gambling probe off the field, the 2023 Iowa State Cyclones look similar to teams Matt Campbell has brought into Norman and battled the Sooners to the wire. Jon Heacock’s defense continues to frustrate opposing offenses, and the Cyclones have another raw prospect at tight end to stress any secondary in freshman Benjamin Brahmer. But there are no Will McDonald’s up front, Rocco Becht isn’t Brock Purdy, and Breece Hall isn’t walking down the visitor’s tunnel at Owen Field. Iowa State hasn’t played an offense the caliber of Oklahoma’s and gave up 27 points to a putrid Oklahoma State unit a week ago, and the Sooners’ defense is playing at a much higher level than when Iowa State upset OU in 2017 and took Oklahoma to the wire in 2019 and 2021. Despite Texas waiting in the wings, a locked-in performance from Bill Bedenbaugh’s offensive line paired with another consistent performance from Brent Venables’ defense should be enough for OU to separate early and head to the Cotton Bowl unbeaten.

Final: Oklahoma 38, Iowa State 9

Randall Sweet

OU’s showdown against Texas next weekend could lead to a slow start for the Sooners on Saturday against Iowa State if Oklahoma is too focused on the Red River Rivalry. Still, Brent Venables’ squad should be able to take control of the game against the Cyclones thanks to their impressive defense and ISU’s lack of experience at quarterback. If the Sooners are able to rattle freshman QB Rocco Becht early, Danny Stutsman and company should cruise to another solid performance this weekend.

Final: Oklahoma 28, Iowa State 17

Tim Willert

The offense will score enough points to win while the defense will harass quarterback Rocco Becht and limit the Cyclones to one touchdown. Look for the Sooners to try to establish the run game early against an Iowa State defense that is allowing just 115 rushing yards per game. The defense will continue to play well and force at least two turnovers for the fourth consecutive game.

Final: Oklahoma 31, Iowa State 10

Ross Lovelace

Usually, this would be a look-ahead game where the Sooners would struggle with the Red River Rivalry on deck, but this year feels different. This Oklahoma team feels very focused and the defense seems legit. Iowa State has had plenty of trouble off the field this season and the on-field performance has taken a hit because of it. The Cyclones still have a stingy defense that will give OU a chance to get ready for the Longhorns, but it’ll be hard for Matt Campbell’s group to put up points on this Sooners defense. Oklahoma should take care of business and develop confidence in the rushing attack before its biggest game of the season just a week away.

Final: Oklahoma 38, Iowa State 13