Oklahoma Sooners Football - Iowa State Q&A with Wide Right & Natty Lite: Could we see another close game?

The Oklahoma Sooners seem like a well-oiled machine (or at least close to it) through two games, but OU hits the road this week for a revenge game against the Iowa State Cyclones. Here to give us a bit of info on the matchup is Matthias Schwartzkopf of Wide Right & Natty Lite.

Also, make sure to check out this week’s podcast, which features interviews with Levi Stevenson (WRNL) and George Stoia (OU Daily). Levi offers up plenty of recommendations for fans making the trek to Ames this weekend.

After grabbing a W in Norman last season, are ISU fans have a degree of confidence heading into this game?

I think everyone is a little bit reserved. After last week’s showing we know there is a ton of work left to do on the offensive side of the ball. When you play a team like Oklahoma you better be able to score more than three points. So I don’t think there is a ton of confidence for the game itself.

We know Kyle Kempt beat OU last year, but is he who you would prefer to see? Zeb Noland seems to have more upside despite struggling against Iowa.

Kempt, because we know what we will get from him. He’s calm and doesn’t make mistakes. In the short time we have seen Noland he has done much of the same but I think he has more physical abilities that Kempt may lack. I don’t feel bad about either option but if I was forced to choose, I’d go with Kempt.

Iowa State had some issues offensively against Iowa. What would you say was the main cause of that struggle?

The offensive line — it was not good at all. The run game was non existent and eventually the rhythm went away because of these issues.

Other than David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler, which skill-position guys should OU fans know about?

DeShaunte Jones, who played a bunch his freshman year but last year was on the field less due to senior Trevor Ryen stealing the show. He is poised to make a huge impact this season in the passing game.

As far as the defense is concerned, how what has been the key to success since 2017?

Definitely the defensive line. Much like a good offense, it starts up front. This may be the best defensive front to be at Iowa State ever. Their ability to generate pressure and take up blocks allows their defensive backfield to roam free and make plays all over.

Other than simply winning football games last season, what would you say is the biggest factor in Iowa State’s uptick on the recruiting trail in this cycle?

Matt Campbell. I think when you have a young coach such as him (and the want to win from the head coach) it is something that you can sell. Iowa State may not be the prettiest girl out there, but the guy doing the makeup certainly makes it appealing for the recruits.

For fans traveling to Ames, what bars and restaurants do you recommend?

Hickory Park and Jethro’s for some good Iowa BBQ. Jethros is also the largest sports bar in the entire Big 12 conference.

Bars? We have plenty on Welch ave. (Sips and Paddy’s) for the younger fans. Main Street (Whiskey River) has a few for the older crowd.

What’s one fun fact about Iowa State University that OU fans should know?

Ronald Reagan was once a grand marshal for the VEISHEA parade.

How do you think this one is going to shake out? What’s the key to Iowa State making a game out of this for the second straight season?

Right now I think Oklahoma is going to win. A 34-24 type of score. I think Iowa State is just behind a bit offensively and may not have enough points in them just yet to steal a win again.

Outside of athletics, who is Iowa State’s greatest alum in your opinion?

George Washington Carver, obviously.

Natty Light or Busch Light?

I do like Busch Lattes but I can’t turn on my blog creators Natty Light now.

Nebraska fans are nice to OU fans, but what’s your least-favorite thing about that group? Also, what’s your biggest gripe about Iowa fans?

They are living in the past too much and have nothing to show for as of late. As for Iowa, it has to be their sense of entitlement when basically their program is just a step above average.