Player to Watch: JaQuan Bailey

Last week, I pegged Kamari Cotton-Moya as the Player to Watch. KCM had a decent game, but the secondary was still beat deep on multiple occasions, though largely due to Marcel Ateman making a bunch of ridiculous catches. This week, we’re taking a look at a stud defensive lineman that just had his best game as a Cyclone.

JaQuan Bailey

The talented defensive end from Florida has started for Iowa State since day one, showcasing his pass-rushing ability on plenty of occasions. However, last Saturday, Bailey answered any complaints about his consistency with a 4 tackle, 1.5 sack performance against Oklahoma State. Beyond the stats, Bailey applied consistent pressure on Mason Rudolph forcing him out of the pocket on multiple occasions.

This week, Bailey will be able to take on a terrible Baylor offensive line that gives up almost three sacks per game. Baylor freshman QB Charlie Brewer has been decent for the Bears, but has often had to make plays outside of the pocket due to his offensive line’s poor play. This matchup advantage not only bodes well for Bailey, for an entire defense that thrives when it can apply pressure with a 3 man front.

Iowa State should be able to apply consistent pressure with the three man front, but expect to see John Heacock dial up a fair number of blitz packages to apply extra pressure on a young, inexperienced quarterback that tends to make mistakes.