2021 Iowa State Stats
| Record | 6-4 |
| Conference Record | 4-3 |
| Points Scored Per Game | 32.5 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 20.5 |
Oklahoma is playing with its back against the wall now. Last week’s loss to Baylor left no room for error as another loss could actually see the Sooners eliminated from Big 12 title contention. While it’s been a disappointing season for Iowa State, according to expectations, the Cyclones are just dangerous enough to pull the road upset, particularly if OU shows the lack of poise and focus that they did last week in Waco.
A win in Norman could actually salvage the season for Iowa State, providing a marquee win and possibly bringing an end to Oklahoma’s reign over the Big 12. Needless to say, there’s a lot for Iowa State to play for on Saturday and any expectations that the Cyclones are going to come out flat on Saturday, after being upset at Texas Tech last weekend, should probably be squelched. There’s still a lot left on the table for the Sooners in 2021 and ISU is going to relish the opportunity to remove some of those things from Oklahoma’s realm of possibility.
| 2021 Iowa State Football Results | ||
| Opponent | Result | Score |
| Northern Iowa | W | 16-10 |
| Iowa | L | 27-17 |
| @ UNLV | W | 48-3 |
| @ Baylor | L | 31-29 |
| Kansas | W | 59-7 |
| @ Kansas State | W | 33-20 |
| Oklahoma State | W | 24-21 |
| @ West Virginia | L | 38-31 |
| Texas | W | 30-7 |
| @ Texas Tech | L | 41-38 |
Iowa State is bringing a pretty balanced offensive attack to Norman. The Cyclones are averaging 32.5 points and 434.7 yards of offense per game. Brock Purdy hasn’t had the senior campaign that he had hoped for but he’s still completing 73.4% of his passes for an average of 244.1 yards per game. He’s thrown for 15 touchdowns on the season but also has six interceptions.
In the last four games Purdy has been sacked six times. He’s been taken down a total of twelve times this season. In fact, the only two games where he’s kept his shirt clear were the UNLV and Kansas State games. That said, the Cyclone offensive line is helping ISU to an average of 169.3 yards per game on the ground. The lion’s share of that goes to Breece Hall who is averaging 117.2 yards per game. Hall also has a team best 18 touchdowns on the season, with 16 of those coming on the ground.
Xavier Hutchinson has been Purdy’s top receiver this season. The 6-3/210 senior has caught 68 passes for 798 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Charlie Kolar is a tough matchup for anyone and Oklahoma fans certainly have reason for concern based on past performances. Kolar is second on the team in receiving with 506 yards and four touchdowns on 41 catches.
Defensively the Cyclones still bring one of the best groups in the conference on that side of the ball. Holding opponents to 20.5 points per game, ISU is giving up 455.3 yards with a bend but don’t break approach. Iowa State has held half of its opponents to twenty points or less this season, and three opponents to seven points or less.
Opposing offenses are passing for an average of 257.3 yards and running for 129.6 yards per game. Linebacker Jake Hummel has recorded a team best 67 tackles this season. His contributions aren’t only limited to leading the way in tackles though. He also has an interception return for a touchdown on he season resume as well.
Defensive ends Will McDonald and Eyioma Uwazurike have combined for 17.5 of Iowa State’s 23 quarterback sacks. McDonald leads the team with 10.
Seven different Cyclone defenders have recorded an interception this season but Isheem Young is the only player with more than one. The 5-10/210 sophomore has two picks on the year and is third on the team for 47 total tackles.
Iowa State Game Notes
- ISU’s last five losses vs. Big 12 competition have been one-score games.
- Breece Hall has rushed for a TD in 22-straight games, one game shy from the all-time NCAA FBS record (23-Bill Burnett, Arkansas, 1968-70).
- Hall broke ISU’s career scoring mark (306) by equaling his career high with three touchdowns at Texas Tech.
- Brock Purdy is fourth nationally in completion pct. (73.4 pct.).
- Hall is sixth nationally in rushing yards per game (117.2), is second nationally in both scoring (108) and total touchdowns (18). He has 51 career touchdowns, the fifth-most in Big 12 history, in his last 30 games.
- The Cyclones are averaging 36.5 points and 459.1 yards of total offense in its last eight games, recording over 400 yards in seven of its last eight contests.
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