Kansas football vs. Iowa State: Five things to know about Jayhawks’ next Big 12 game

Following a bye week, Kansas football returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 9, vs. Iowa State.

The Jayhawks (2-6, 1-4 Big 12) lost a heartbreaker to K-State before the off week. Iowa State (7-1, 4-1) lost to Texas Tech on Saturday.

Here’s more about this week’s game...

KU football vs. No. 17 Iowa State: Game details

Kickoff time: 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9

Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)

TV: FS1

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City; Wichita 92.3

Early betting line: Iowa State is a 3-point favorite.

Five things to know about Iowa State

1. The Cyclones have exceeded expectations. Iowa State was projected to finish sixth in the Big 12 in the preseason media poll. The Cyclones are currently tied for second in the conference with Colorado.

2. The Jayhawks have won the last two matchups against the Cyclones. That includes a 28-21 win in Ames last season. Kansas leads the all-time series 52-45-6. The last time Iowa State beat KU in Lawrence (Saturday’s game is in KC) was in 2020, when the Cyclones won 55-22.

3. The Cyclones have one of the best defenses in the Big 12. Iowa State ranks No. 9 nationally in scoring defense, with opponents only averaging 15.5 points per game. The Cyclones have excelled at stopping the passing offense from opposing teams, allowing 146.6 passing yards per game.

4. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has had a solid season. He’s completed 147 of 242 passes (60.7%) for 2,011 yards and 13 touchdowns through eight games. He’s also thrown six interceptions. Becht finished 22-for-38 passing for 299 yards with one touchdown and one interception vs. Texas Tech.

5. ISU defensive back Malik Verdon leads the Cyclones with 57 total tackles. He has 28 solo tackles and one interception. He also has 2.5 tackles for loss.