For the first Sooner conference home game, Oklahoma will take on the Iowa State Cyclones.
Iowa State has been a team who has given Oklahoma fits just about every year since beating the Sooners in Norman in 2017.
They play a gritty, hard-nosed defense led by Jon Heacock. They also return a decent amount of their production.
According to ESPN (ESPN+), the Cyclones rank 67th in returning production. They bring back 76 percent of their offense, which ranks 28th, and 51 percent of their defense, which ranks 95th.
Offensively they have a big task of replacing Xavier Hutchinson. Hutchinson was their go-to guy at wide receiver. He had over 1,100 yards last season.
Other than that, they return just about everyone else. Cyclones quarterback, Hunter Dekkers, returns. Their leading rusher in, Jirehl Brock, returns as well.
The key for the Cyclones is whether Dekkers can stay away from turning it over. Last season he threw 19 touchdowns but also threw 14 interceptions.
But head coach Matt Campbell has to figure out the offense. They ranked 83rd in the nation in total offense just a season ago. That was good for last in the conference.
Defensively they ranked fourth in total defense. They bring back four of their top six tacklers from a year ago.
But they lose their top three in tackles for loss and sacks. One of those was Will McDonald IV, who was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in April.
They have to figure out how to generate pressure and develop that defensive line. But with Heacock at the helm, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about.
Ultimately, this game falls into a weird spot. Oklahoma should be riding a four-game winning streak, and the following week, they’ll play their Red River Rival in the Cotton Bowl.
This game will be talked about as a potential trap game for the Sooners.
We’ve seen far too often if you look ahead, Iowa State will beat you. We also have seen Heacock give Lincoln Riley and Jeff Lebby fits.
I think their defense keeps it close but can their offense take advantage? I’m just not sure about that.
Score Prediction: 20-17 Oklahoma
Predicted Record: 5-0
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