Cyclone Fanatic
Cyclone Fanatic

Nov 12, 2026 · 20 min

Iowa State weighs Cincinnati test with bowl hopes at stake

CF PREGAME: Iowa State-Cincinnati Preview: Can the Cyclones Get to 5-5?

A win would move Iowa State closer to bowl eligibility while testing whether its defense and rushing attack can hold up against Cincinnati.

3 key takeaways
  1. 1Iowa State’s improving offensive line and rushing attack could determine whether the Cyclones control the matchup.
  2. 2The hosts expect the defense to rebound from Baylor and stress stopping Cincinnati’s run game and receivers.
  3. 3Chris Williams and Jake Brend predict a high-scoring Iowa State win, with Aiden Flora central to the offensive plan.

Don't miss

The hosts predict Iowa State will win a high-scoring game, relying on Aiden Flora and a stronger offensive start.

The brief

Chris Williams and Jake Brend preview Iowa State’s home matchup with Cincinnati, a pivotal game in the Cyclones’ push toward bowl eligibility.

The hosts weigh Iowa State’s injuries against Cincinnati’s rushing attack and quarterback J.C. French, while arguing that the Cyclones’ own ground game will shape the result.

Iowa State’s improving offensive line could create space for Aiden Flora, but the defense must rebound from Baylor and avoid another high-scoring breakdown.

Cincinnati’s missing top wide receiver and Iowa State’s improving secondary shift attention to run defense and one-on-one coverage matchups.

Williams and Brend settle on a high-scoring Iowa State victory, with the home crowd and early offensive momentum helping the Cyclones move closer to bowl eligibility.

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