September 20, 2026. Photo credit -- Associated Press
Despite a close loss to in-state rival Iowa in week 2, first year coach Jimmy Rogers and his squad showed no signs of regression in week 3. The Cyclones returned home to go onto obliterate now 0-3 Bowling Green (MAC) 55-7. Running back Aidan Flora shined the brightest in Iowa States blowout win totaling 296 yards and 3 touchdowns. Flora has now fully emerged as Iowa States RB1, the Adel native looks to continue his impressive performances against a top 5 in the nation Utah defense. Like the previous weeks Iowa State's defense shined again, only allowing 186 total yards and 1 score for the Falcons. Special teams also delivered once again for the Cyclones, this time in a historic way. For the first time in program history Iowa State had both a punt return and kick return touchdown in the same game, complimentary of Jet Award watchlist Cameron Pettaway and proven punt returner Aidan Flora. Kicker Kyle Konrardy went 2/3 on field goals missing his first of the season from 54 yards out. All things given a 48-point win over an FBS opponent is as good as it gets going into conference play.
Iowa State made a statement in Iowa city a week ago but didn't have the result they wanted. Despite covering and turning many eyes nationally Jimmy Rogers isn't one for "moral victories." Iowa State will once again have a test when #17 Utah comes to town. Utah led by first year head coach Morgan Scalley looks to continue their sheer dominance against the Cyclones as a -12.5-point favorite - O/U 50. I do expect that line to drop throughout the week, as it's hard to see Iowa State's defense allowing 30+ points, although Utah is more than capable of those numbers. Despite the loss of Kyle Whittingham, Scalley was able to retain QB Devon Dampier, a versatile, mobile, and veteran leader for the Utes. In my opinion Iowa State and Utah are very similar in many ways... First year coach, solid defense, mobile QB, and both have showed early-season dominance. While most everything is seeming clearer, and confidence is building for the Cyclones and the fanbase, there are still a couple of worries. QB Jaylon Raynor has totaled over 500 yards, 6 TD's, a 62% competition percentage, and only 1 turnover through 3 games, but has over/under thrown receivers a handful of times. Jimmy Rogers did not sound happy with his QB's performance in week 3. So, the question arises, does he stick with 5th year QB Jaylon Raynor? Or does he give Rs-So Connor Moberly some snaps on Saturday. Right now, I don't think the answer is clear cut... while I understand the worry about Raynor's ability to hit his guys between the numbers, he hasn't given fans much else to doubt him on. Saturday should give us better insight on how the Arkansas St. transfer will play at the P4 level.
I think they key to beating Utah is simple. Stop the run like you did against Iowa, drive the field by balancing the run-pass game from a conservative standpoint, and don't turn the ball over. The best way to slow down the Utah offense is to make them one-dimensional, and assuming SS Drew Surges and DB Beny Nygoi are back from injury, I feel confident that the secondary will make and limit big plays. The last thing Iowa State wants is to get into a shootout with the Utes... as seen year after year Utah has proven ability to score 40+ on any given Saturday, and unfortunately, I don't think Iowa State can run with that yet. If the Cyclones bring their A-game, in a white-out Jack Trice stadium, and play a clean, physical football game, I have confidence they can walk out with a win.