The Associated Press
No. 7 Baylor (3-0, 0-0 Big 12) at Iowa State (1-2, 0-1)
Line: Baylor by 21.
Series Record: tied 6-6.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Bears can quiet the skeptics who’ve claimed their fast start was due largely to an easy schedule. Iowa State was picked to finish ninth in the Big 12, so beating one of the league favorites would be a huge early boost for the program.
KEY MATCHUP
Iowa State’s defensive line vs. Baylor’s offensive line. The Cyclones will have to disrupt the rhythm of Baylor’s offense with pressure from their front four to have any shot an upset. DE Cory Morrissey was the Big 12’s defensive player of the week in Iowa State’s 20-17 win over Iowa on Sept. 13 with a pair of sacks. But Baylor hasn’t let up a sack all season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Baylor: WR Antwan Goodley is expected back after missing most of the season with quadriceps tightness. Goodley had 1,319 yards receiving and 13 TDs last season — including 11 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa State.
Iowa State: RB DeVondrick Nealy. The Cyclones will look to keep Baylor’s offense off the field with long, clock-chewing drives. Nealy has shown the ability to gain yards between the tackles, but he’s also had fumbling issues.
FACTS & FIGURES
Baylor is outscoring opponents by just over 50 points a game, while Iowa State is being outscored by just under a touchdown per game. … With a win, the Bears will have back-to-back 4-0 starts for the first time since 1937-38. …The Cyclones overcame double-digit halftime deficits in their last two wins. … Baylor’s offense has scored at least one TD in every quarter this season.
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