How and what to watch for No. 17 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Oklahoma State

After a disappointing 31-14 defeat to Louisiana in the season opener, Iowa State bounced back in a major way, taking down Big 12 rivals TCU, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech in successive fashion. Those victories put the Cyclones, now ranked 17th in the country, in prime position to compete for a conference title with Saturday’s matchup with the No. 6 Oklahoma State Cowboys their most imposing hurdle in their path.

While Oklahoma State has an apparent talent advantage, they face significant questions entering the weekend. Spencer Sanders, the Cowboys’ starting quarterback since 2019, has missed the past four weeks with a high-ankle sprain suffered on the first drive of the season. If he can return this week — and head coach Mike Gundy and his coaching staff have tried their best not to tip their hand on that front — Sanders could provide a stabilizing presence for the Oklahoma State offense. Otherwise, freshman signal-caller Shane Illingworth will attempt to continue the surprising hot streak that contributed to the team winning both of his starts in Sanders’ absence.

But Iowa State faces a different but no less concerning question under center. Brock Purdy, the Cyclones’ third-year starter, has exhibited regression as a passer thus far in 2020 and has not made up for those deficiencies with his off-script play-making and scrambling. Purdy currently sits on pace for career lows in passing efficiency (7.6 adjusted yards per attempt) and touchdowns (one passing touchdown per game, 0.25 rushing touchdowns per game). Those numbers seem likely to improve as the season unfolds, but how much of the gap he can bridge will greatly impact Iowa State’s chances of competing for a conference championship.

The two programs have split their past two meetings with the road team winning on each occasion. Oklahoma State leads the all-time series 32-19-3.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch No. 17 Iowa State versus No. 6 Oklahoma State Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET on Fox, and you can stream it via the Fox Sports app or with a cable or streaming login.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State (-2.5)
Point Total: Over/Under 52
Money line: Iowa State (+112), Oklahoma State (-139)

• The Cyclones are 2-2 against the spread this season with both of their covers coming in their past two games.
• Likewise, Iowa State has hit the over twice in their four games this year.
• The Cowboys have gone 2-1 against the spread this season, comfortably covering each of their last two games.
• Oklahoma State has hit the over only once this season.

The Best Bet

Both Iowa State and Oklahoma State have mixed results hitting the over, and with each facing questions at quarterback the under looks like the stronger bet.

Pick: Under 52

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