KU football at Iowa State: Five things to know about Jayhawks’ next Big 12 game
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- KU aims to clinch bowl eligibility Saturday at Iowa State, kickoff at 11 a.m.
- Iowa State offense struggles in passing attack while defense limits opponents' scoring.
- Rocco Becht shows regression; Marcus Neal anchors Cyclones defense with 70 tackles.
After an off week, the Kansas Jayhawks (5-5, 3-4 Big 12) return to action at Iowa State.
KU will attempt to clinch bowl eligibility with a win against the Cyclones (6-4, 3-4 Big 12). Iowa State also comes off a bye week. Before the off week, the Cyclones defeated TCU 20-17.
KU football at Iowa State: Game details
Kickoff: 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22
Where: Jack Trice Stadium (Ames, Iowa)
TV: FS1
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City
Early betting line: Iowa State is a 4.5-point favorite.
Five things to know about KU-Iowa State
1. The Jayhawks have won the last three matchups. Kansas leads the all-time series 42-33-3. KU last defeated the Cyclones in 2024, winning 45-36 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Iowa State last won vs. the Jayhawks in 2021, defeating KU 59-7.
2. The Cyclones aren’t having the best offensive season. Iowa State ranks No. 70 out of 136 teams in points scored per game (27.1). A large part of that is due to struggles in the passing game. The Cyclones are averaging 230.3 passing yards and just 1.2 passing touchdowns per game.
3. Iowa State’s defense is very good. The Cyclones rank No. 39 in points allowed per game (21.5). Teams are averaging 372.3 yards of total offense against Iowa State. Opposing teams aren’t scoring much through the air, averaging only 1.3 passing touchdowns per game vs. the Cyclones.
4. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has had an up-and-down season. So far, he has 2,230 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He’s added 88 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. This season is a step back from last year, when he had 25 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions.
5. Iowa State defensive back Marcus Neal is a name to know. He leads the team in total tackles (70) and solo tackles (37). He also has one interception, one sack and one forced fumble.
