PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Brock Purdy becomes the latest quarterback to watch, thanks to his standout work against Oklahoma State. The true freshman provided a badly-needed electric shock to the offense against the Cowboys, and he’ll likely need similar numbers against a West Virginia team with national title aspirations.
–DE JaQuan Bailey had another sack against Oklahoma State, giving him 13 for his career. The junior is already coming off an honorable mention all-Big 12 performance in his sophomore season, and his ability to be a disruptive force will be essential in the Cyclones attempt to slow down the Mountaineers.
–DB Braxton Lewis extended his interception streak to three games with another pick against Oklahoma State and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. Not bad work for a walk-on, and coach Matt Campbell indicated that he’d be next in line for a scholarship when one becomes available.
–WR Hakeem Butler continues to move up the charts among Iowa State wide receivers. He moved into the top-25 in receiving yards last week, and his 13 career touchdown catches rank eighth all-time at the school.
SERIES HISTORY: West Virginia leads Iowa State 5-1 and has won all three games in Ames.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You’re asking the wrong guy. If we wore practice jerseys, I’d be in great shape.” — Coach Matt Campbell, in the Ames Tribune, on rumors that the team would wear black jerseys for the night game against West Virginia on Saturday.