Know Your Foe: Oklahoma State Faces an Iowa State Team Searching for Answers

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State enters Halloween weekend with an opportunity to secure bowl eligibility, but the Cowboys will have to get past an Iowa State program looking to reverse its recent struggles.

The No. 24 Cowboys (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) travel to Ames on Saturday to face the Cyclones (3-4, 1-3), who have dropped three consecutive games under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers.

Iowa State is coming off a 39-3 loss at Arizona, its most lopsided defeat of the season. Despite those struggles, the Cyclones have several playmakers capable of challenging Oklahoma State on both sides of the ball.

Here's a closer look at the Cowboys' next opponent.

One of Iowa State's biggest questions entering Saturday involves quarterback Jaylen Raynor. The senior transferred from Arkansas State after throwing for 3,361 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025. He also rushed for seven scores, bringing extensive starting experience and mobility to the Cyclones' offense.

His first season in Ames has been inconsistent. Through seven games, Raynor has completed 93 of 158 passes for 1,107 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. He has added 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Against Arizona, Raynor completed eight of 10 passes for 106 yards before being replaced by Connor Moberly at halftime. Moberly finished 7-of-17 for 63 yards.

Rogers confirmed Tuesday that Raynor will remain the starter against Oklahoma State, emphasizing his leadership despite the offense's recent struggles. For the Cowboys, keeping Raynor contained will be important. His ability to extend plays and contribute as a runner presents a different challenge than defending a traditional pocket passer.

If Oklahoma State's defense has one player to identify on every snap, it's Aiden Flora. The sophomore has emerged as the centerpiece of Iowa State's offense, leading the Cyclones with 716 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

But his impact extends beyond the running game. Flora also contributes as a receiver and punt returner, while Iowa State has used him as a passer on trick plays. He has completed both of his pass attempts this season for 48 yards and two touchdowns.

Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris highlighted Flora's versatility during Tuesday's media availability, pointing to the different ways Iowa State gets the football into his hands.

Flora was limited to 36 rushing yards on 12 carries against Arizona, a performance that contributed to the Cyclones' offensive struggles. Containing him could be one of Oklahoma State's most important defensive priorities.

Iowa State averages 25.9 points and 339.9 total yards per game, including 163 rushing yards. The Cyclones have demonstrated their scoring potential, particularly in a 45-42 victory over West Virginia earlier this month.

However, recent performances have exposed significant problems. Iowa State managed only 221 total yards against Arizona, including 52 rushing yards on 31 attempts. The Wildcats snapped the Cyclones' streak of 23 consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards.

Injuries have complicated matters. Iowa State has lost more than 10 players for the season, including several expected contributors at wide receiver. The Cyclones are without four of the six receivers projected to lead the position group entering fall camp.

That lack of continuity has forced Rogers and his staff to rely on younger players while searching for consistent offensive production.

Iowa State's defense has also endured growing pains during its transition under Rogers. The Cyclones allowed 39 points against Arizona, including 25 in the first half, as quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns. Linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen provided a bright spot with 15 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss. Carson Willich added 10 tackles.

The challenge gets no easier Saturday. Oklahoma State enters the matchup averaging 40 points and 529.1 total yards per game, with quarterback Drew Mestemaker directing one of the nation's most productive passing attacks. Mestemaker has thrown for 2,326 yards, while receivers Wyatt Young and Justin Bowick have combined for more than 1,200 receiving yards.

Iowa State must find ways to generate pressure and limit explosive plays if it hopes to slow the Cowboys' offense.

Saturday marks the 60th meeting between Oklahoma State and Iowa State. The Cyclones won last year's matchup 20-13 in Stillwater and have claimed the past two meetings in Ames.

This season, however, the teams enter with different momentum. Oklahoma State has won three of its first four Big 12 games and is coming off a 57-24 victory over Colorado. Iowa State is attempting to end a three-game losing streak while facing its third consecutive ranked opponent.

For the Cowboys, the priorities are clear: contain Flora, prevent Raynor from extending plays and take advantage of an Iowa State defense that has struggled against explosive offenses.

For the Cyclones, Saturday presents an opportunity to stabilize their season and earn a significant victory under Rogers.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT at Jack Trice Stadium, with the game now airing nationally on FOX.