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No. 9 Iowa State Pursues Perfection Against UCF Knights

The No. 9 Iowa State Cyclones (6-0, 3-0 Big 12 Conference) look to remain perfect and continue their quest toward the Big 12 title game when they welcome the underperforming UCF Knights (3-3, 1-2) to Jack Trice Stadium at 7:30 p.m. EST on Oct. 19.

The Cyclones have had a miraculous season so far, but at the halfway point, the focus shifts from becoming bowl-eligible to continuing that quest for perfection. For the Knights, a fast 3-0 start quickly turned sour after three straight losses against beatable opponents. Can they right the ship against the Big 12's best?

The Meaning of Perfection

The Cyclones haven't even had a 10-win season in school history, let alone a perfect regular season. Getting ever closer to that with their seventh victory could mean they start getting taken seriously as a College Football Playoff contender.

However, beating the Knights will not be easy, as they are brimming with talent on both sides of the ball and will be desperate for a get-back victory. Perfection in this year's Big 12 would be a massive statement but it is much easier said than done.

Key Players: Iowa State Cyclones

The Cyclones have a full-fledged arsenal on offense, but a big reason they're perfect is due to their defense, which ranks top 15 in the entire country in multiple categories. This UCF squad will have a lot to throw at them as well, but these players in particular are the ones UCF will have trouble with.

Rocco Becht, Quarterback

Becht and his stellar squad of receivers could have a field day against the UCF secondary, which ranks No. 102 in the FBS and allows 246 yards passing per game on average. Against the throwing talents of Becht and his duo of Biletnikoff Award-worthy receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, this is a game the Cyclones should air it out early and often.

Kooper Ebel, Linebacker

The Knights average just 205 yards passing a game, ranking them No. 90 in the FBS. Forcing the Knights to pass into this strong secondary led by Jeremiah Cooper and Beau Freyler by subduing their stacked backfield is how the Cyclones beat this team. No players is equipped better to do that than sophomore linebacker Ebel, who has 39 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and a sack on the year.

Key Players: UCF Knights

The Knights are desperate to stay above .500 and to keep their bowl aspirations alive. Winning against the top of the conference will be a major confidence booster that will hopefully carry them into the postseason. Here are the players that can make that happen.

RJ Harvey, Running Back

Iowa State's run defense allows 139.7 yards per game, placing them No. 63 in the FBS. Against a back like Harvey and the stable of running backs the Knights have, that could have some major potential to break the game open in favor of the Knights. Get the run game going early and often and the Knights give themselves the best chance at victory.

Lee Hunter, Defensive Tackle

Beating the Cyclones' passing game with this secondary will be an extremely tall task. This is why pressure on the quarterback will be massive. Hunter can do that, but to this point has had a quiet season with zero sacks and just 2 tackles for loss. The Knights will need a big game from their star defensive lineman, otherwise, this could be a long day if Becht is allowed a clean pocket.

The Role of Spoiler

If the Knights play the best game they've played this season, they have a shot at winning a game in Jack Trice at night against the Cyclones. It will require their best game, though, as the way the Cyclones are playing as well as the lore behind night games at Jack Trice Stadium is working against their favor.

There likely won't be any surprises here, but the Knights could play the role of spoiler if they force mistakes, play their best game on both sides of the ball, open up Harvey and their run game and come up with a few lucky bounces. It is the Big 12, after all. Chaos is in its nature. However, it should be a perfect storm for the Cyclones come Saturday night. Iowa State wins handily 31-17.