Sep. 19, 2024 06:17 AM EST

No. 20 Iowa State Will Play As A Ranked Team For First Time Since 2021 When Red Wolves Visit

By The Associated Press
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa State won 20-19. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Charlie Neibergall, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa State won 20-19. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Arkansas State (2-1) at No. 20 Iowa State (2-0), Saturday, 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Iowa State by 21 1/2.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Iowa State is playing as a ranked team for the first time since 2021 and looking for only its second 3-0 start under ninth-year coach Matt Campbell. The Cyclones, coming off an open date, will be going against an Arkansas State team that lost 28-18 to defending national champion Michigan in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated. The Red Wolves are playing their second straight power conference opponent before opening Sun Belt Conference play.

KEY MATCHUP

Arkansas State run game vs. Iowa State run defense. The Cyclones have been uncharacteristically porous against the run, ranking last in the Big 12. The Red Wolves don't have much of a run game and were held to 58 yards on 25 attempts against Michigan. Their best chance at an upset is to get RB Zak Wallace or QB Jaylen Raynor going on the ground because ISU's pass defense ranks among the best in the country.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arkansas State: S Trevian Thomas has been all over the field lately. He recorded an interception for the second consecutive game against Michigan and finished with a game-high nine tackles.

Iowa State: WR Jaylin Noel is one of the country's big-play threats. He's averaging 20.62 yards per catch and has two that have gone for more than 50 yards.

FACTS & FIGURES

Iowa State has had a 100-yard receiver in five straight games, the longest streak since 2016. ... The Cyclones have lost two of their last three as a ranked team against an unranked opponent. ... The Red Wolves are 2-35 against ranked opponents, with their last win over then-No. 25 Troy in 2016. ... Arkansas State picked off three Michigan passes for the most interceptions gained by an A-State team since 2017.

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