Baylor Week 4 Opponent Preview: Iowa State Cyclones
The No. 17 Baylor Bears football team kicks off week four with a Big 12 Conference showdown against the undefeated Iowa State Cyclones in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Central Time.
Last season, Baylor narrowly escaped with a 31-29 victory over Iowa State at McLane Stadium.
Historically speaking, the Bears hold a slim 11-9 edge in the 20 overall matchups between these two schools. Over the past four seasons, Baylor and Iowa State are an even 2-2 with both schools winning on their home turf.
Will that pattern continue on Saturday, or will Baylor coach Dave Aranda and the Bears shift the tide with a win on the road?
Last week, Baylor struggled early but coasted in the second half in a 42-7 victory over Texas State.
Iowa State, meanwhile, hosted Ohio in a 43-10 win.
Here's a quick glance at Baylor's week four opponent.
Iowa State Cyclones
2022 Record: 3-0
Head coach: Matt Campbell
Campbell is in his seventh season at Iowa State and owns a 45-34 record as the coach of the Cyclones.
Offensive Scheme: Spread
Defensive Set: Mainly 3-3-5, with occasional adjustments to a 4-2-5
Returning starters on offense: 7
Offensive coordinator Tom Manning is in his sixth season with the Cyclones and returns seven starters from the 2021 squad.
This season, Iowa State's offense is averaging 31.7 points, 259 passing yards and 156 rushing yards per game.
Projected offensive starters:
QB Hunter Dekkers
RB Jirehl Brock
WR-X Xavier Hutchinson
WR-Z Dimitri Stanley
WR-SL Jaylin Noel
TE-Y Easton Dean
TE-F Jared Rus
LT Tyler Miller
LG Jarrod Hufford
OC Trevor Downing
RG Darrell Simmons Jr.
RT Jake Remsburg
Returning starters on defense: 5
Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock is now in his seventh year at Iowa State and has five returning starters in the projected lineup. Will McDonald IV also returns as Iowa State's all-time career sacks leader, giving opposing quarterbacks plenty to fear as conference play looms.
This season, Iowa State's defense is allowing just 9 points, 174.3 passing yards and 60 rushing yards per game.
Projected defensive starters:
DE Will McDonald IV
NT Isaiah Lee
DE Blake Peterson
DT J.R. Singleton
WLB Gerry Vaughn
MLB O'Rien Vance
SLB Colby Reeder
LCB Myles Purchase
MS Beau Freyler
BS Malik Verdon
FS Anthony Johnson Jr.
RCB T.J. Tampa
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com