Iowa State @ West Virginia: Game Thread

Game Info

The Opponent: West Virginia Mountaineers (6-4, 3-4)

Kick Off Time: 11:00 a.m. CST

Location: Milan Puskar Stadium - Morgantown, West Virginia

Television: Fox Sports 1

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network - John Walters (PxP), Eric Heft (Color)

West Virginia SB Nation Site: The Smoking Musket

The Preview

ISU Offense vs West Virginia Defense: Advantage, West Virginia. The Mountaineers feature a big, physical secondary that could make it hard for Joel Lanning to do much in the passing game.

West Virginia Offense vs Iowa State Defense: Advantage, Iowa State. The ISU defense will be playing with a ton of heart and flying to the ball on every play in Paul Rhoads' last game.

Special Teams: Advantage, West Virginia. Kicker Josh Lambert and punter Nick O'Toole are two of the best specialists in the country for West Virginia.

See the full preview here.

Prediction

As we've mentioned on multiple occasions this week, this game will serve as the last time that Paul Rhoads ever leads the Cyclones into battle. It's kinda weird, because almost everyone wanted it to happen, but now that he's actually been fired, the emotional vibe from Cyclone Nation has been more sentimental than celebratory. It's likely because everyone knows that Rhoads is a good man who we wish would have succeeded at Iowa State.

There's going to be a lot of players giving their all for Coach Rhoads today, which could turn this game into a crazy affair. Also, don't be surprised to see the staff come out and call the game with a "F-it" attitude and dial up some fake punts, fake field goals, onside kicks, etc. There's nothing to play for if you're ISU other than a win, and getting a victory would send CPR out on a high note.

I can't pick against Coach Rhoads in his last game. Here's to one more "SO PROUD" in the locker room after the battle is through.

Iowa State 35, West Virginia 28