Iowa State vs West Virginia: A Battle for the Big 12 Crown

Iowa State and West Virginia are two of the most storied programs in the Big 12 Conference. Both schools have a rich history of success on the gridiron, and their matchups are always highly anticipated.

History of the Rivalry

The Iowa State-West Virginia rivalry dates back to 1922. The two schools have met 25 times in total, with West Virginia holding a narrow 13-12 advantage.

Some of the most memorable games in the series include:

• 1961: West Virginia defeated Iowa State 31-14 in the Sun Bowl.
• 1977: Iowa State upset West Virginia 10-9 in Ames.
• 2005: West Virginia defeated Iowa State 41-10 in Morgantown.
• 2018: Iowa State defeated West Virginia 42-36 in Ames.

Recent Matchups

The last meeting between Iowa State and West Virginia was in 2021. West Virginia won the game 38-14 in Morgantown.

Here is a table of the results of the last five meetings between the two schools:

Key Players to Watch

Some of the key players to watch in the Iowa State-West Virginia game include:

• Iowa State: Quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Breece Hall, and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson.
• West Virginia: Quarterback Jarrett Doege, running back Leddie Brown, and wide receiver Winston Wright.

Iowa State's Strengths and Weaknesses

Iowa State has a number of strengths, including:

• Offense: The Cyclones have one of the most potent offenses in the country, led by Purdy, Hall, and Hutchinson.
• Defense: Iowa State's defense is also strong, especially against the pass.

However, the Cyclones also have some weaknesses, including:

• Experience: Iowa State is a relatively young team, and they may struggle to handle the pressure of a big game.
• Injuries: Iowa State has been hit by injuries this season, and they may not be at full strength against West Virginia.

West Virginia's Strengths and Weaknesses

West Virginia also has a number of strengths, including:

• Experience: The Mountaineers are a veteran team, and they have a lot of experience in big games.
• Defense: West Virginia's defense is one of the best in the Big 12, and they are especially strong against the run.

However, the Mountaineers also have some weaknesses, including:

• Offense: West Virginia's offense has been inconsistent this season, and they have struggled to score points in some games.
• Special teams: West Virginia's special teams have been a liability this season, and they have made several costly mistakes.

Why the Game Matters

The Iowa State-West Virginia game is important for both teams because it could have a major impact on the Big 12 standings. Iowa State is currently in first place in the Big 12, and a win against West Virginia would give them a leg up in the race for the conference championship. West Virginia is currently in third place in the Big 12, and a win against Iowa State would keep them in the hunt for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.

How to Watch the Game

The Iowa State-West Virginia game will be televised on ESPN2 on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 7:00 PM ET. You can also stream the game online on ESPN+.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: In 2018, Iowa State upset West Virginia 42-36 in Ames. The Cyclones were a 17-point underdog in the game, but they pulled off the upset thanks to a strong performance from quarterback Brock Purdy.

What We Learn: Anything is possible in college football. Even the biggest underdogs can win if they play their best game.

Story 2: In 2019, West Virginia upset Iowa State 20-16 in Morgantown. The Mountaineers were a 3-point underdog in the game, but they won thanks to a strong defensive performance.

What We Learn: Defense wins championships. A good defense can make up for a lot of deficiencies on offense.

Story 3: In 2020, Iowa State defeated West Virginia 38-31 in Ames. The Cyclones were a 7-point underdog in the game, but they won thanks to a strong running game led by Breece Hall.

What We Learn: Running the ball effectively can be a great way to win games, especially in bad weather.

Benefits of Watching the Game

There are many benefits to watching the Iowa State-West Virginia game, including:

• Entertainment: The Iowa State-West Virginia game is always an exciting and entertaining matchup.
• Education: You can learn a lot about college football by watching the Iowa State-West Virginia game.
• Community: Watching the Iowa State-West Virginia game is a great way to connect with other fans of your team.
• Tradition: The Iowa State-West Virginia game is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1922.

FAQs

Q: Who is favored to win the Iowa State-West Virginia game?

A: Iowa State is a slight favorite to win the game, according to most sportsbooks.

Q: What is the over/under for the Iowa State-West Virginia game?

A: The over/under for the game is 55 points.

Q: Who is the best player on Iowa State?

A: Quarterback Brock Purdy is the best player on Iowa State.

Q: Who is the best player on West Virginia?

A: Running back Leddie Brown is the best player on West Virginia.

Q: When and where is the Iowa State-West Virginia game?

A: The Iowa State-West Virginia game is on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 7:00 PM ET in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Q: How can I watch the Iowa State-West Virginia game?

A: You can watch the Iowa State-West Virginia game on ESPN2 or ESPN+.

Conclusion

The Iowa State-West Virginia game is one of the most anticipated matchups of the college football season. Both teams have a lot to play for, and the game is sure to be a close and exciting one.