Kansas football vs Iowa State score prediction: Big 12 scouting report

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LAWRENCE — As Kansas football coach Lance Leipold looked ahead to Saturday’s game at Iowa State earlier this week, there was a moment to look back upon a pivotal moment in the recent loss at Arizona.

Leipold, with a 4th and 2 situation at Arizona’s 11 yard line late in the fourth quarter, leading 20-17, elected to take a field goal. Considering quarterback Jalon Daniels wasn’t able to be on the field for that play, and how well KU’s defense had played in the second half to that point, it’s the choice Leipold went with. That things went wrong from there, first with a missed 30-yard field goal and then with Arizona’s game-winning touchdown drive to deliver a 24-20 defeat for Kansas, is something Leipold wishes he had been able to look into a crystal ball and see in that moment.

But while Leipold’s decision still eats at him, and he feels as if he made the wrong choice and should have gone for it anyway, it’s something the Jayhawks have to move on from. Although they suffered another Big 12 Conference defeat, they’re still in contention to reach a bowl game this fall. The road to bowl eligibility for KU (5-5, 3-4 in Big 12) just became that much tougher ahead of this weekend’s game at Iowa State (6-4, 3-4).

Here is a scouting report and prediction, ahead of the 11 a.m. (CT)-scheduled kickoff in Ames, Iowa:

Kansas football coach Lance Leipold previews Iowa State

Leipold has won the last three games of this series, but was quick to point out that it wasn’t that long ago in 2021 that Kansas was trounced by Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. As much as the Jayhawks have been able to close the gap on some programs, it’s not as if that guarantees anything heading into this matchup. He knows they have to be playing at their best to earn their sixth win, and become bowl eligible.

Leipold highlighted Iowa State has been hit hard by injuries this season, and alluded to them likely having a much better record had that not occurred. He praised Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht, and an offense in general that is impressive in the way it uses its tight ends. There’s also an Iowa State defense that uses a base look that allows it the versatility to confuse opposing offenses.

Kansas football offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski previews Iowa State

Through the open week that Kansas just came through, offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski said what the Jayhawks analyzed reiterated that they need to do a better job at sustaining momentum through the third and fourth quarters. It’s something that’s been an issue of late. On the road, against a talented Iowa State defense, that’s not a recipe for success if KU can’t fix it.

Zebrowski said he’s been impressed at how well the Cyclones’ defense has played, despite the injuries to the secondary. The linebacker corps continues to be a strength. Overall, he sees an Iowa State defense that’ll do its best to bend but not break.

Kansas football defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald previews Iowa State

Kansas football defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald used to be an assistant coach on Iowa State coach Matt Campbell’s staff, and had only positive things to say about Campbell. Not only does he view Campbell as one of the best coaches in the nation, but as someone who’s an even better person. This won’t be the first game McDonald coaches against Campbell since arriving at KU ahead of the 2024 season, but it will be the first time McDonald leads the Jayhawks’ defense against the Cyclones in Ames, Iowa.

McDonald said Iowa State could have two to four tight ends on the field at the same time, which he considers to be uncommon in college right now. While a lot of people have moved to a spread offense, he thinks the Cyclones embody old-school, smash-mouth football on that side of the ball. In a conference with many talented quarterbacks, Becht is someone he considers to be among the best.

Kansas football players preview Iowa State

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels outlined how much he respects the consistent success Campbell has enjoyed at Iowa State. Daniels is also well aware of how challenging the Cyclones’ defense can be to go up against, especially considering how they can disguise coverages in the secondary.

Kansas defensive tackle Blake Herold, who’s from the state of Iowa, is anticipating having a lot of friends and family in the crowd for this game. He also highlighted how talented Becht is, and speaking generally about Iowa State’s offense, said it uses a lot of shifts and motions.

Kansas offensive lineman Nolan Gorczyca praised how good Iowa State’s defensive line has been over the years. He’s excited to go up against a tough and physical group.