No. 19 West Virginia looks to bounce back at Iowa State

Posted November 23, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

No. 19 West Virginia (8-2, 5-2 Big 12, No. 18 CFP) at Iowa State (3-8, 2-6 Big 12), 3:30 p.m. (FS1).

Line: West Virginia by 9

Series Record: West Virginia leads 3-1

WHAT'S AT STAKE

West Virginia can still finish third in the Big 12 and play in a high-caliber bowl game. Iowa State isn't going bowling, but three straight wins to close out 2016 would give it plenty of momentum heading into 2017.

KEY MATCHUP

Iowa State's run game vs. West Virginia's defense. QB Joel Lanning ran for 171 yards and five touchdowns last week, and freshman David Montgomery has a bright future. But the Mountaineers have the league's stingiest defense, allowing 24.1 points per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Virginia. RB Justin Crawford. He has 930 yards rushing on 7.6 yards per carry. Iowa State's strength is its secondary, so look for the Mountaineers to try to establish the run early.

Iowa State: WR Allen Lazard. He's caught 65 passes for 915 yards and seven TDs despite being a crucial part of every defensive coordinator's game plan.

FACTS & FIGURES

West Virginia blew out Iowa State 30-6 last year. But two years ago the Cyclones rallied from a 24-point deficit to win in Morgantown. ...West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen grew up in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. ...Iowa State has lost 19 straight to ranked opponents. But the Cyclones lost to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, the two teams ahead of West Virginia in the Big 12, by just 17 combined points.

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AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org

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