Sep 202 min read

Red Wolves Travel to Ames to Take on No. 20 Iowa State

Jaylen Raynor — © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-1) will travel to Ames, Iowa to take on the No. 20 Iowa State Cyclones (2-0) on Sept. 21.

The Cyclones are fresh off of a bye week and a win in the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry game, while the Red Wolves are coming off of a 28-18 loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor. Arkansas State will be looking to pull the road upset, while Iowa State is looking to snag a win before the gauntlet of Big 12 Conference play begins.

What's at Stake?

For Arkansas State, a major opportunity lies ahead. The chance to take down a top-25 team on the road for the second straight week is a big deal, and the Red Wolves have the team to do it. On the other sideline, Iowa State is looking to protect home field before traveling to Houston (1-2)on Sept. 28.

Key Players: Iowa State

Quarterback Rocco Becht is the undisputed leader of the Cyclones, and how he plays will be the determining factor in the game's final score. If the Red Wolves disrupt Iowa State's passing game, Arkansas State will have an opportunity to pull the upset.

Defensive back Malik Verdon is the Cyclones' leading tackler through two games, and like Becht, how he plays will be one of the deciding factors in the game. Iowa State's defense will have a formidable offense lining up on the other side of them, and good secondary play will be a key to an ISU victory.

Key Players: Arkansas State

Receiver Corey Rucker has been ASU's standout star through the first three games of 2024, boasting 17 receptions for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns. He will likely be to go-to guy for quarterback Jaylen Raynor on Saturday, and will need to have a big game in order for Arkansas State to have a chance at victory.

Safety Trevian Thomas has been Arkansas State's defensive leader so far, intercepting 2 passes and making 20 tackles through the first three games of the season. Locking down Iowa State's offense will be a tough task, but Thomas and the ASU defense must do just that in order to keep Saturday's game in reach.

Trends to Watch

Arkansas State has played well over their first three games, but the Cyclones are coming off a huge rivalry win and a bye week. This game is Iowa State's to lose, but don't be surprised if a pesky Red Wolves squad hangs around in Ames, just as they did against Michigan.