Iowa State faces Oklahoma for the second time this season, seeking similar offensive firepower as they showed back on October 3rd. Breece Hall led the offensive attack last time around, racking up 139 yards on 28 carries with a pair of touchdowns. Brock Purdy did not have his best outing, going just 12-24 with 254 yards and a touchdown. I think it is safe to say that Brock Purdy is gone.
In the last 14 quarters of play, newly-minted 1st Team All-Big 12 Quarterback Purdy has completed 77% of his passes and has 10 touchdowns to zero INTs. Ever since his 3 interception first half performance against Baylor, he has played some of the best football of his career. Folks, he’s baaaaaccckkkk.
Not only has Purdy been slinging the rock around the yard like his old self, he’s gotten a lot of his confidence and his swagger back. He’s playing with a lot more poise and has some of the best pocket presence we’ve ever seen. Not that Iowa State was struggling, but Purdy really turned the season into the right direction by creating a steady passing attack.
Oklahoma’s defense has given up the fewest amount of rushing yards on the season, so Breece Hall might not have the easiest time gaining yards consistently. OU’s pass defense is in the middle of the Big 12, giving up 234 yards per contest. The Cyclone receivers are in an entire different universe compared to where they were a few months ago, as well. Oklahoma has been a lot better defensively as of late, but I think it’s fair to say Iowa State’s offense has improved just as much.
Brock Purdy is going to make plays as always, but the biggest difference in his game has been his timing. He has stopped making risky plays.
As the season has gone on, he has become a lot better at what Matt Campbell has been preaching: doing the little things right. He’s not forcing deep balls, making poor reads by being greedy, or even trying to make a play that is simply not there (definitely not talking about the play against TCU). BP is playing some efficient football, and Iowa State will need it to continue in hopes of “upsetting” the favored Sooners this Saturday in the Big 12 Championship (11 am, ABC).