Kansas @ Iowa State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Kansas 16, Iowa State 28

THE STORY: Iowa State picked up its first Big 12 win in stunning fashion last week with a 41-7 victory at Texas Tech. The win, the Cyclones’ first since Sept. 16, snapped a four-game losing streak in which every defeat came by 16 points or more. Now, with a win this week over struggling Kansas, the Cyclones could pull within one game of bowl eligibility with three to play. The Jayhawks fell to 0-5 in Big 12 play last week with their 43-0 loss at Texas and have now lost six straight overall. Four of Kansas’ five conference losses have come by 30 points or more. Kansas has won five of the last six against Iowa State but lost last year in Ames, 28-16.

TV: None. Line: Iowa State -14

ABOUT KANSAS (2-6, 0-5 Big 12): Kansas’ last-ranked defense has been the team’s biggest concern, but in the loss against Texas, the offense was the main problem. The Jayhawks were shut out and averaged just 1.3 yards per play, totaling 46 yards for the game while compiling a whopping three first downs. The Kansas rushing game accounted for minus 2 yards on 20 carries. The shutout, Kansas’ first since 2002, won’t help head coach Turner Gill’s already uncertain job status. Fans have been vocal in wanting him fired despite it being only his second year on the job.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (4-4, 1-4 Big 12): Looking for a spark to ignite his struggling offense, Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads decided to give freshman Jared Barnett the start at quarterback against the Red Raiders. The move worked, as Barnett rushed for 92 yards and threw for 144 and a touchdown in the 34-point victory. The win was Iowa State’s largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent since the Cyclones defeated No. 22 Nebraska 36-14 in 2002. Iowa State rushed for 368 yards, its first 300-yard rushing game since 2001.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kansas hasn’t lost back-to-back games against Iowa State since 2001-02.

2. Iowa State is 4-5 in Big 12 home games under Rhoads.

3. The Jayhawks have allowed 500 yards or more in five of their last six games.

PREDICTION: Iowa State 48, Kansas 20 — The Cyclones have something to play for after last week’s win against Texas Tech and are up against a team that quit on its coach several weeks ago.