Farmageddon has returned
By Michael O’Deay (@MODeay70) Game 6: at Kansas State Farmageddon Kickoff: 6:30 PM TV: ESPN2 Radio: Cyclone Radio Network
Kansas Recap: ISU started the Kansas game in a big way. The Cyclones were up 28-0 in the first quarter. In the first quarter Brock Purdy was 5-5 for 96 yards with 4 TD strikes to Xaiver Hutchinson, Charlie Kolar, Joe Scates, and Jierhl Brock. Purdy finished 17-22 for 245 yards and 4 TDs. Breece Hall had 17 carries for 123 yards and 2 TDs. Breece has now scored a rushing TD in 17 straight games. Xavier Hutchinson led all receivers with 7 receptions for 96 yards and a TD. Iowa State dominated an over matched Kansas team 59-7. Hunter Dekkers had turned on the jets for a 41 yard rushing TD. Deon Silas capped off the scoring with a 16 yard TD run.
Know your opponent: Kansas State is 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats went undefeated in non-conference play, however, they have lost back to back games to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. In their losses the Wildcats played tough but were overmatched and lost 31-20 and 37-31 respectively.
The Series: Iowa State leads the series 51-49. The Cyclones won last season 45-0 in front of no fans in Ames. The recent history favors the Wildcats as they have won 13 out of 18 with a 10 game winning streak from 2008 to 2017. Iowa State hasn’t won in Manhattan since 2004. This series over the past 20 seasons have provided several gut punches to ISU. In 2009 Iowa State lost 24-23 on a missed extra point with less than a minute to play when the game was played at Arrowhead. The worst loss suffered in my opinion was in 2015 in Manhattan. ISU raced to a 35-14 halftime lead, only to be outscored by Kansas State 24-0 in the 2nd half and lose 38-35. It was exceptionally tough as ISU had a 35-28 lead with 1:31 to play. The Wildcats capitalized on 2 ISU fumbles scoring 10 points including a game winning FG as time expired. The Game: Kansas State has one of the better running backs in Deuce Vaughn. The talented sophomore is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Vaughn leads the Wildcats with 20 receptions. With 7 total TDs (5 rushing and 2 receiving) all eyes will be on Deuce. QB Skylar Thompson is completing nearly 70% of his passes with 3 TDs and 2 picks. The Wildcat defense is averaging 3 sacks per game. In 5 games the defense has forced 7 turnovers. Iowa State has the best back in the Big 12: Breece Hall. After a slow start in the rushing yard department, Hall will be a big part of the Cyclones offense. Hall has 551 yards and 8 rushing TDs this season. Hall is looking to get his 4th consecutive 100 yard rushing game. With the pressure Kansas State can get up front and only 7 turnovers in 5 games, Brock could put up big yards through the air. If the K State defense gets aggressive and blitzes, Purdy will look for Charlie Kolar to slow the pressure and Xaiver Hutchison to stretch the field if he has 1 on 1 situations.
Keys to the Game: 1) Win the battle up front 2) Win the turnover battle 3) Be as efficient on offense as possible
Kansas State is in need of a win to get their season back on track. ISU is only giving up 2.6 yards per carry and 90 yards per game. The front 7 is a huge reason. D Ends Will McDonald and Eyioma Uwazurike have 6.5 of the Cyclones 11 sacks. Mike Rose and Jake Hummel have been solid run stoppers combining for 69 total tackles. ISU has only forced 6 turnovers this season. In a conference road game that could be close, winning the turnover battle and setting the offense up with a short field on multiple occasions would be huge. Iowa State has improved on 3rd down conversions. This is vital because K State isn’t a quick strike offense. The Wildcats are going to pound the ball to attempt to have long drives. ISU doesn’t need to keep K State off the field because the Wildcats can score 50, but the defense is going to be in a tough grind it out game. If ISU can have long offensive drives while being efficient, they will have the advantage.
My prediction: ISU wins 42-21. Jump on the Wildcats early and let the defense smash them late. Go Cyclones!