(Ames, IA) — The bye week is over and Iowa St. football gets back on the field Saturday as they host Arizona in their Big 12 opener, coverage on KSOM.
The Cyclones have gone 4-0 to start the season in back to back seasons for the first time in school history. Head Coach Matt Campbell has used the time to allow his team to get healthier except at one position and that is kicker — starter Kyle Konrardy is week to week with a leg injury
With Konrardy sidelined, Junior Jace Gilbert gets the nod as the kicker. Campbell says that Gilbert had a great fall camp and he has confidence in his ability. He says with Gilbert kicking, it will not change how he coaches the game
Iowa State does not rank high in the Big 12 in total offense — the Cyclones are 13th out of 16 teams but offense does not seem to be a problem. Carson Hanson leads in rushing at 252 and 4.7 per carry and Abu Sama III is at 182 and 4.8 per carry. The receiving leaders are Tight Ends Ben Brahmer (14-109) and Gabe Burkle (10-149) plus Brett Eskildsen (7-162), Xavier Townsend (7-132) plus others like Chase Sowell, Carson Brown, Dominic Overby, Tyler Moore and Hanson has 7 catches. You never know who is going to step up each week
Iowa St. has a chance to go 5-0 for another season and the Cyclones begin conference play as one of the favorites to go to the Big 12 Championship game. Campbell says that puts a target on ISU’s back but he is ready for the challenge
Arizona is 3-0 with wins over Hawaii, Weber St. and two weeks ago beat Kansas St. 23-17. The Wildcats have a mobile QB in Noah Fifta who is not a transfer and a third year starter. Fifta has thrown nearly 3,000 yards the last two seasons with 50 total TD. Campbell says its nothing new facing a tough athletic quarterback
Arizona is 3-0, #14 Iowa St. is 4-0, game time Saturday is 6 pm, Cyclones Pre Game at 4 pm on KSOM.
