Cyclones seeking breakthrough against OU after narrow losses
By The Associated Press
Oklahoma (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) at Iowa State (3-4, 0-4), Saturday, noon ET (FS1)
Line: Oklahoma by 1 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Oklahoma leads 78-7-2.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
No one would have imagined these teams would be a combined 1-7 in Big 12 play when they meet. The Sooners are looking to establish momentum after ending their first three-game losing streak since 1998 with a 52-42 home win over Kansas. Iowa State is looking for something positive after losing its four Big 12 games by a combined 14 points.
KEY MATCHUP
Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel vs. Iowa State secondary. Gabriel is the Big 12’s second-leading passer with 13 touchdowns against one interception and appears fully recovered from the concussion that kept him out of the loss to Texas. He threw for a season-high 403 yards against Kansas. The Cyclones are allowing fewer than 200 yards per game through the air but have not faced a passer the caliber of Gabriel.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oklahoma: RB Eric Gray leads the nation with his 7.2 yards per carry and is fourth in the Big 12 at 99.3 per game. He’s coming off a 176-yard game against Kansas.
Iowa State: QB Hunter Dekkers looks ready to match fellow left-hander Gabriel if this turns into a scoring contest. Dekkers threw for a career-high 329 yards against Texas and is completing nearly 68% of his passes for the season.
FACTS & FIGURES
Each of the last three meetings have been decided by seven points or less, with Oklahoma winning two. … This marks the first time since 1999 that OU won’t be ranked when playing Iowa State. … OU has scored at least 30 points in 37 of its last 39 true road games. … The ISU defense is allowing 4.9 points and 115.4 yards in second halves. … Cyclones and 2004 Purdue are the only teams since 1980 to have four straight conference losses by a combined 14 points or less.
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