ISU Preview: Four Players to Watch as the Cowboys take on the Cyclones

Oklahoma State is gearing up for its sixth game of the season and its third consecutive conference game on Saturday against Iowa State.

The Cyclones have struggled in the early going this season, but they have weapons on both sides of the ball that could threaten OSU’s chances of stealing a W as a double digit favorite. Let’s take a closer look.

OFFENSE

David Montgomery | RB | 5-11, 216 | Jr.

Even though Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said Montgomery is “day-to-day” with a deep, upper arm bruise, I expect the junior running back will be ready to play. Despite offensive line struggles this season, Montgomery is currently 4th in the Big 12 in total rushing yards with 334 and tied for first in total attempts at 82. Last week against TCU, Montgomery accounted for 53 percent of the total yards gained by the ISU offense and scored one of the two Cyclone touchdowns on the day.

Last season against the Cowboys, Montgomery rushed for 105 yards, on 5.0 yards per carry, and 3 touchdowns. In addition, he caught 6 passes for 44 yards. Oklahoma State has had issues tackling this year, but the Cowboys can’t afford them on Saturday. Montgomery is a gifted runner with a knack for breaking tackles, and the Pokes will need to be sure they bring him down on initial contact. However, this is a very tough task, just ask Iowa.

One positive for Montgomery heading into this weekend is it seems Campbell is finally comfortable with his starting offensive line. The Cyclones started three different offensive lines groupings through their first three games, but it seems they have found a starting unit moving forward. That’s, obviously, not a positive for OSU.

Hakeem Butler | WR | 6-6, 225 | R-Jr.

The Cyclones leading receiver did not have a very good outing last season against OSU. Iowa State racked up 386 yards through the air, but Butler only accounted for 29 of them. In 2018, he’s averaging 77.8 yards receiving per contest and has a 152 yard lead on the next closest receiver on this roster. He’s also accounted for all but one receiving touchdown, and he’s their go-to target when they need a first down.

Similar to Montgomery, he’s extremely difficult to bring down in the open field, as you can see in the clip below.

Cyclone quarterback Zeb Noland had a rough game against TCU, but he’s shown he can get the job done through the air as he recorded 360 yards against OU earlier this year. The Oklahoma State secondary can’t have the coverage break downs they did against Kansas, or Butler will torch them up and down the field on Saturday.

DEFENSE

Greg Eisworth | S | 6-0, 198 | R-So.

The former Ole Miss commit is, in my opinion, the most talented player on this Iowa State defense. Eisworth currently leads the team in total tackles with 38, solo tackles with 22, is second in passes defended with 3 and also has forced 1 fumble. He can make plays in the secondary as well as running downhill in run support.

The PFF Week 4 Team of the Week in the Big 12 – on defense pic.twitter.com/luho7MQt40

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 26, 2018

Eisworth has been a part of several big plays for the Cyclones this season, including this forced fumble against the Sooners.

Taylor Cornelius will need to keep an eye out for the talented young safety as he will be looking to cause havoc all over the field for Iowa State.

Willie Harvey | LB | 6-0, 224 | R-Sr.

Harvey has recorded 20 career tackles against the Pokes and he will be looking to add to that number this weekend in Stillwater. The senior linebacker is one of the most experienced players on this Cyclone defense, and although he may not be the most talented player, he always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Harvey had one of the best performances of his career last weekend against TCU as he recorded 12 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and had 1 pass defended. He’s not afraid to lay a big hit and can cause issues for teams in the backfield. Harvey hasn’t recorded a sack so far this season, but has 9.5 in his career, and I’m sure he would be more than happy to get his first one on Cornelius.