:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67987473/usa_today_14921210.0.jpg)
Will McDonald is well on his way to putting some serious pressure on JaQuan Bailey’s newly broken career sack record. The redshirt sophomore currently sits at 13.5 career sacks, 6.5 those are in 2020. McDonald came on strong to end the 2019 season and he really hasn’t slowed down since. That is going to have to continue on Saturday as Sam Ehlinger will be sitting behind a beefy Texas offensive line.
Texas throws a variety of plays at you on the offensive side of the ball and being a versatile defender certainly helps against that. We have seen Will McDonald primarily at the defensive end spot but he has also spent time in coverage at the linebacker position. This type of play will be critical in stopping this Texas offense and the utilization of McDonald’s speed off the edge only helps against a big time offensive line.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22121121/usa_today_15019987.jpg)
While the talk this week has been 2018 and the biggest game in Iowa State history and avoiding that same type of result again is going fall on the defensive line creating havoc and McDonald can certainly be apart of that. Texas has big play ability but they are also methodical in their approach and utilizing all their options on offense. Iowa State will have to be ready for anything.
I expect a big game from McDonald, he doesn’t have to get the sacks but he needs to help JaQuan Bailey and Enyi Uwazurike disrupt and slow down Texas when they posses the ball. Buckle up Iowa State fans, this is a big game. Enjoy it and be ready for a stressful Black Friday.