Notre Dame: Five Things to Know About Iowa State

You may look from a far and wonder how in the world a 7-5 Iowa State was chosen to get to Orlando over 8-4 squads they lost to. You might not think of a traditional football powerhouse when you hear Iowa State but they’ve got a following that would lead you to believe otherwise.

Iowa State saw key skill players David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler leave for the pros last season but the youngster running the show returned and had a monster year.

Brock Purdy took a little time to get going his sophomore season but ends this regular season in the top-20 nationally in passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass yards per game and passing efficiency. Some in the conference believe he’s a fringe top-five quarterback in all of college football already.

Notre Dame’s defense allowed the third/fewest pass yards per game this year nationally as only Ohio State and Clemson were better against it.

They’ll be put to the test against Purdy who some believe to be the best returning quarterback in the Big XII next year.

This will be one of Iowa State’s biggest games ever: