Keys To The Game: What Baylor Must Do To Upset No. 16 Iowa State

For the third time this season, Baylor will travel to a hostile environment on national television, hoping the outcome will favor them this time around. The Bears fell to Utah and Colorado in two completely different scenarios, but the stakes will be a little higher this week in Ames, Iowa.

No. 16 Iowa State (4-0, 1-0) will be looking for its first 5-0 start since 1980 and will be donning their all-white uniforms that honor Cyclone legend Jack Trice. Baylor (2-3, 0-2) can pull off the upset, but here are a few keys to the game that they must achieve.

1: Eliminate Big Plays

Baylor’s defense will have their hands full against the Cyclones’ offense that’s led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht. Iowa State has been explosive on offense this season, with four different scoring drives coming in under a minute.

Becht has one of the best wide receivers in the Big 12, Jayden Higgins (Sr.), at his disposal, which has contributed to the gunslinger having a touchdown pass in eight straight games and at least one 50-yard pass in six straight games.

The Bears' secondary has been hit-or-miss this season, but they will need to step it up a notch to help knock off Iowa State.

2: Win the Turnover Battle

Baylor has generated a few turnovers on defense this season, but they’ve never been able to take advantage of them. Iowa State thrives on creating turnovers and turning them into points.

The Cyclones' defense has a +7 turnover margin this season, which ranks first in the Big 12 and fifth nationally. Iowa State also ranks in the top 10 nationally in interceptions, with five different Cyclones combining for seven interceptions on the year.

With Baylor essentially not having a rushing attack once again, Sawyer Robertson (RJr.) will likely have to will the Bears to an upset with his arm, which could prove to be a tall task.

3: Keep Your Composure 

Having already played at Rice-Eccles Stadium and Folsom Field this season, the experience is definitely a plus for Baylor, but will it be enough to help them if they fall behind early again? With the Iowa State faithful having all day to pound Busch Lights in anticipation of their ‘White Out’ to celebrate the 50th football season at Jack Trice Stadium, things could get very interesting in Ames.

Conclusion:

I picked Baylor to fall 24-20, but I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the Bears lit the scoreboard up on the Cyclones and pulled the upset. Iowa State’s defensive stats could be arguably inflated, given the opponents they’ve faced this season, but only time will tell.

Tim Brando and Devin Gardner will be on the call on FOX, as kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. in Ames. Be sure to watch the 365 Sports pregame show on Saturday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. on YouTube and KWTX.