Nov 6, 2026 · 12 min
Iowa State’s three-part test for Baylor road upset
DAILY CLONE: Three Keys to Iowa State at Baylor
Iowa State faces a Baylor team that can punish mistakes, making quarterback confidence, explosive offense, and defensive disruption decisive.
- 1Jalen Raynor must play freely and trust his instincts against Baylor’s strong rush defense.
- 2Aidan Flora and Iowa State’s offensive line need to generate explosive plays to sustain scoring opportunities.
- 3The defense must preserve its recent energy, force turnovers, and limit Baylor’s scoring chances.
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Brend’s 35–30 Baylor prediction undercuts Iowa State’s three-key blueprint and leaves defensive execution as the swing factor.
The brief
Jake Brend frames Iowa State’s road trip to Baylor as an opportunity created by Baylor’s coaching change and a demanding remaining schedule.
The first key is Jalen Raynor playing freely, while Aidan Flora and the offensive line must turn improved quarterback play into explosive offense.
Iowa State’s defense needs to match the energy it showed against Oklahoma State, especially with injuries and young defenders shaping the matchup.
The decisive defensive edge may come from timely punts and turnovers against Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway, while keeping the Bears’ scoring contained.
Despite outlining a credible Iowa State path, Brend predicts Baylor will win 35–30, making defensive execution the game’s central tension.
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