Nov 12, 2026 · 12 min
Iowa State must stop Cincinnati’s run game to win a shootout
DAILY CLONE: Three Keys to Iowa State vs. Cincinnati
Iowa State’s defensive discipline and ability to prevent explosive plays could determine whether its offense can outscore Cincinnati.
- 1Iowa State must tackle cleanly and contain Cincinnati’s rushing attack before it can force difficult passing situations.
- 2The secondary needs to win one-on-one matchups without surrendering explosive plays against Cincinnati’s offense.
- 3Jake Brend expects Aidan Flora to break out as Iowa State wins a high-scoring game, 41–34.
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Jake Brend predicts Aidan Flora will produce 225 rushing yards and three touchdowns in Iowa State’s 41–34 win.
The brief
Jake Brend frames Iowa State’s matchup with Cincinnati around a basic defensive demand: tackle consistently, slow the Bearcats’ rushing attack, and force them to throw.
With defensive injuries in the picture, Iowa State’s secondary must win individual matchups without allowing explosive plays—a narrow margin against a strong rushing offense.
Brend shifts to the offense and argues that Aidan Flora needs to create big plays, giving Iowa State enough scoring power to win a high-scoring game.
The boldest prediction is a breakout for Aidan Flora: 225 rushing yards and three touchdowns, helping Iowa State defeat Cincinnati 41–34.
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