Oklahoma State University Athletics
Know Your Opponent: Iowa State
November 09, 2017 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Tied for third in the Big 12 standings, No. 15 Oklahoma State and No. 21 Iowa State clash for the 52nd time.
The Cyclones (6-3; 4-2 Big 12) come into this week's contest having already earned bowl eligibility for the first time since 2012. Saturday's matchup will also serve as ISU's senior night, adding to what would've already been a hectic environment at Jack Trice Stadium.
Iowa State's defense has been the anchor of its success so far in 2017. Over the last 18 quarters, ISU has allowed only 47 points, with seven of those coming on a TCU kickoff return for a touchdown and six more coming on a seven-yard drive for Texas Tech.
In its six Big 12 games, Iowa State has allowed just 24 points after halftime. No team in that group has scored more than seven points in the final 30 minutes during that stretch.
The Cyclones currently sit second in the Big 12 (league games only) in scoring defense, surrendering just 14.7 points per game. They have also held all six Big 12 foes to at least 10 points below the respective teams' average scoring output.
Iowa State's defensive unit is led by linebacker Joel Lanning, who ranks ninth nationally with 10.4 tackles per game. Lanning has made headlines in 2017 thus far for his Ironman performances, playing both linebacker, quarterback and on special teams. He has played a total of 713 snaps so far this season (590 defense, 30 offense, 93 special teams).
Along with Lanning, Iowa State's offense is led by senior quarterback Kyle Kempt, who has started each of the last five games, going 4-1 over that stretch. Kempt has completed 66.9 percent of his passes (101-of-151) and thrown for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Kempt's favorite target, wide receiver Allen Lazard, leads the team in receptions (44), receiving yards (526) and touchdown receptions (6). Lazard is ISU's career leader in receptions (214) and 100-yard receiving games (10).
Lazard is the NCAA's active leader in consecutive games with at least one receptions, as he has caught a pass in 44 straight games. OSU's James Washington is second on that list with a streak of 41 consecutive games with at least one catch.
ISU's offense also features running David Montgomery, who has impressed during his sophomore campaign, averaging 92.3 rushing yards per game. Montgomery currently ranks second in the Big 12 in that category, trailing only Justice Hill's 118.2 yards per game average.
Oklahoma State owns the advantage in the series between the two schools, winning 30 of the 51 previous contests. Iowa State has played the Cowboys tough in Ames over the years, but OSU still holds a 13-12-1 advantage over the Cyclones on their home turf.
During Mike Gundy's tenure as head coach, Oklahoma State is 7-2 against Iowa State, which includes five straight victories dating back to 2012.
Cloudy skies and cold temperatures are expected in Ames for Saturday's matchup, but the two teams likely won't be thrown off by the classic November setting for football in Iowa. Kickoff is currently scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on either ESPN2 or ABC (check your local listings).
The Cyclones (6-3; 4-2 Big 12) come into this week's contest having already earned bowl eligibility for the first time since 2012. Saturday's matchup will also serve as ISU's senior night, adding to what would've already been a hectic environment at Jack Trice Stadium.
Iowa State's defense has been the anchor of its success so far in 2017. Over the last 18 quarters, ISU has allowed only 47 points, with seven of those coming on a TCU kickoff return for a touchdown and six more coming on a seven-yard drive for Texas Tech.
In its six Big 12 games, Iowa State has allowed just 24 points after halftime. No team in that group has scored more than seven points in the final 30 minutes during that stretch.
The Cyclones currently sit second in the Big 12 (league games only) in scoring defense, surrendering just 14.7 points per game. They have also held all six Big 12 foes to at least 10 points below the respective teams' average scoring output.
Iowa State's defensive unit is led by linebacker Joel Lanning, who ranks ninth nationally with 10.4 tackles per game. Lanning has made headlines in 2017 thus far for his Ironman performances, playing both linebacker, quarterback and on special teams. He has played a total of 713 snaps so far this season (590 defense, 30 offense, 93 special teams).
Along with Lanning, Iowa State's offense is led by senior quarterback Kyle Kempt, who has started each of the last five games, going 4-1 over that stretch. Kempt has completed 66.9 percent of his passes (101-of-151) and thrown for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Kempt's favorite target, wide receiver Allen Lazard, leads the team in receptions (44), receiving yards (526) and touchdown receptions (6). Lazard is ISU's career leader in receptions (214) and 100-yard receiving games (10).
Lazard is the NCAA's active leader in consecutive games with at least one receptions, as he has caught a pass in 44 straight games. OSU's James Washington is second on that list with a streak of 41 consecutive games with at least one catch.
ISU's offense also features running David Montgomery, who has impressed during his sophomore campaign, averaging 92.3 rushing yards per game. Montgomery currently ranks second in the Big 12 in that category, trailing only Justice Hill's 118.2 yards per game average.
Oklahoma State owns the advantage in the series between the two schools, winning 30 of the 51 previous contests. Iowa State has played the Cowboys tough in Ames over the years, but OSU still holds a 13-12-1 advantage over the Cyclones on their home turf.
During Mike Gundy's tenure as head coach, Oklahoma State is 7-2 against Iowa State, which includes five straight victories dating back to 2012.
Cloudy skies and cold temperatures are expected in Ames for Saturday's matchup, but the two teams likely won't be thrown off by the classic November setting for football in Iowa. Kickoff is currently scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on either ESPN2 or ABC (check your local listings).
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