Iowa State vs Missouri Preview

What a difference just two games can make. Two weeks ago, Cyclone fans were proud to say their team was 3-0. Now after two conference losses to Texas and Baylor, Iowa State finds themselves 3-2 and looking for its first conference win of the young season.

James Franklin is dangerous on the
ground with 5 rushing TDs

Tomorrow the Cyclones head down to Columbia to play Missouri. The Tigers are facing problems of their own with a 2-3 overall record, and like the Cyclones, 0-2 in the Big 12. This is not a team to sleep on though. All of their games have been close, including a 38-28 loss to Oklahoma in Norman.

Missouri has lost back-to-back games against the Sooners and Kansas State last week. Let's take a closer look at this team. James Franklin is the starting QB for the Tigers. Through the air, his number are not that impressive; only completing just under 60% of his passes. Where he can be dangerous is on the ground. He leads the team in carries with 83 for 306 yards, and 5 TDs.

Another interesting stat to point out about this Mizzou offense is their receivers' yards/catch. Their top three receivers average over 10 yards every reception, meaning they are not afraid to throw the deep ball.

I think the player to watch this game will be T.J. Moe who has 26 receptions on the season for 317 yards.

Last Saturday, the Cyclone defense did a pretty good job of containing Baylor's Robert Griffin III. A few calls didn't go ISU's way and a huge turnover in the red zone killed them. But what we did see was a great opening quarter out of Jantz and the Cyclone offense.

#20 Jake Knott has lead the
Cyclone defense this year

James White has emerged as the new starting running back for Iowa State. Shontrelle Johnson has been battling a neck injury the past few weeks. White has been very impressive this season and has no doubt earned the starting role. He is much more physical than Johnson up the middle and has great speed once he gets to the outside. White will be a crucial part of this team for this game and for the rest of the season.

Iowa State's turnover ratio is still awful, but they are still finding ways to stay in games. Jake Knott is a huge reason for that. He has been an animal on defense. He leads the team with 59 total tackles. His lateral quickness is unbelievable. He and the ISU defense gave Griffin III some problems and I think they will need to do the same against Franklin.

I think ISU pulls off the tough road test.

Prediction: 
Iowa State  23
Missouri      17

The game is tomorrow at 1pm CT and can only be viewed on the Clone Zone on Cyclones.com. It is $8.95 for a one-month subscription. Or you can listen to J-Walt call the game on New Rock 105.1 or 1430 KASI.

-MVW