Iowa State @ Baylor preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 17, 2009 ) Baylor 10, Iowa State 24

THE STORY: After losing to Kansas State and dropping out of the national rankings, Baylor looks for its first Big 12 Conference victory when it hosts Iowa State. The Bears, who led the Wildcats by nine entering the fourth quarter, gave up 10 unanswered points in the upset loss. Quarterback Robert Griffin III threw his first interception of the season at the wrong time as it set up Kansas State’s game-winning field goal in the final minutes. Iowa State, also looking for its first conference win, suffered its first loss of the season against No. 10 Texas. The Cyclones trailed 34-0 at the half and scored all 14 of their points in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. This will be the 10th meeting between these teams, with Iowa State holding a 5-4-1 advantage, including a 24-10 victory in the last meeting in 2009.

TV: FSN. LINE: Baylor -14

ABOUT IOWA STATE (3-1, 0-1 Big 12): The Cyclones, who are 3-1 for the second time in the last five years, are led by quarterback Steele Jantz, who has thrown for 917 yards but has as many interceptions as touchdowns (seven). Despite their lack of offense against the Longhorns, the Cyclones have shown an ability to score, averaging more than 25 points per game and more than 380 yards. The defense, which will be tested against Baylor’s high-powered attack, is allowing more than 29 points per game. Iowa State has won its three games by a total of eight points.

ABOUT BAYLOR (3-1, 0-1): Led by Griffin’s 1,308 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and 82.3 completion percentage, the Bears' offense ranks fourth and eighth nationally in points per game (47) and passing yards (351), respectively. Griffin’s favorite target, Kendall Wright, has totaled 40 catches for 621 yards and seven touchdowns, and leads the nation with 155 receiving yards per game. The Bears, who have scored 35-plus in four straight games for the first time in school history, have struggled defensively, allowing more than 361 yards and 28 points per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bears, under coach Art Briles, are 18-11 when scoring more than 20 points, 16-3 when scoring more than 30 and 9-0 when topping 40.

2. Iowa State has trailed in the fourth quarter in all three of its wins this year.

3. Baylor is the only school in the nation to average more than 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.

PREDICTION: Baylor 38, Iowa State 24 - Iowa State’s defense will struggle with Griffin’s dual-threat ability, which will allow Baylor to build an early lead - and keep it.