This is the second time Latrell Bankston has been chosen, but he has finally started to fit what we always envisioned for him at Iowa State. Bankston is coming off a massive performance against Texas that ultimately landed him as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. Not only was he award this honor, Bankston has been playing his best football over the last two weeks since his arrival in Ames.
Against Kansas State Bankston did not record a tackle but he was very instrumental in taking on the Wildcat offensive line and allowing the rest of his teammates to dominate. Then against Texas Bankston recorded recorded five total tackles including two sacks. One of which was very pivotal at the end of the game that pushed Texas further back that led to the missed 57 yard field goal.
This week against West Virginia Bankston is going to be needed once again as Iowa State looks to close out the regular season on a strong note. The Mountaineers are much improved compared to a season ago and they have been about average on the offensive side of the ball.
They are towards the lower end of division I in terms of rushing yards per game but they are top 25 in passing yards per game. Iowa State is going to need push up front to disrupt the passing game and not allowing West Virginia to have a breakout game on the ground. Bankston will be right in the middle of it.
Iowa State virtually has the trip to the Big 12 Championship locked down but make no mistake this is still a big test for Iowa State. Stay tuned to WRNL as we move closer to gameday.