Iowa State @ Kansas State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 3, 2009 ) Kansas State 24, Iowa State 23

Can anyone stop Daniel Thomas?

Iowa State gets the next shot at Kansas State’s senior running back, who is on pace to surpass 2,200 yards. The 6-2, 228-pound, former JUCO quarterback is averaging 7.6 yards a carry and already has broken five runs of 25-plus yards.

He’s the biggest reason why the Wildcats (2-0) are favored to win their third straight in the series against Iowa State (1-1). The Big 12 North foes open conference play Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

UCLA and Missouri State failed to slow down Thomas, and now he faces a Cyclones squad that just lost starting linebacker Matt Tau’fo’ou to a broken leg. Iowa State already was thin at linebacker; former walk-on Matt Morgan might get the start.

While Thomas is the focal point, senior quarterback Carson Coffman is off to a strong start too. He leads the Big 12 in pass efficiency. His favorite target, Brodrick Smith, already has three touchdown catches. Backup running back William Powell also has been impressive in limited duty, averaging 12.1 yards per carry with two scores.

Kansas State needs to outscore opponents because its defense is shaky. That was evident last week when the Wildcats gave up 447 yards to an FCS opponent.

The Cyclones, under second-year coach Paul Rhoads, are coming off a 35-7 loss to Iowa that wasn’t even that close. It was the first of four games Iowa State will play against Top 10 teams.

Iowa State didn’t get a first down until nine minutes remained in the first half, and gave up touchdowns on four of their first five defensive series.

Senior quarterback Austen Arnaud should bounce back after his three-interception performance. He’ll rely on running back Alexander Robinson (5.0 yards per carry) and wide out Darius Darks (10 catches).

Coach Bill Snyder is 14-4 all-time against the Cyclones, who lost last year’s game 24-23 on a blocked extra point. Iowa State hasn’t beaten Kansas State outside Ames since 2004.

Saturday’s game marks the end of a two-year agreement to play at Arrowhead, which is about 100 miles closer to Kansas State.