If WVU does, as predicted, upset Oklahoma State in Morgantown, this could be a trap game. The Mountaineers aren’t good enough to let down and it would be natural to do so against a team that went 3-9 last season.
Yet look closely. Most in Ames believe coach Matt Campbell did a nice job in 2016. Sure the Mountaineers beat the Cyclones 49-19, pulling away late. But ISU perked up late in the season.
The Cyclones have some talent. It’s difficult not to like wideout Allen Lazard and offensive lineman Jake Campos. The offense, in fact, could be good – if, like WVU, the line as a whole comes along. There’s been a lot of shuffling – a la the Mountaineers – and Michigan transfer David Dawson left the team.
Defensively, though, Iowa State is in trouble. Expect the Cyclones to limit big plays, but if Mountaineer QB Will Grier and company are on point, WVU should steadily move downfield.
Again, this will be closer than Mountaineer fans might expect, especially if West Virginia enters the game 7-1 and highly ranked. It positively screams for a letdown.
Yet, in the end …

WVU 30-21. 8-1