Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State
if not for Kansas, Iowa State would be the perennial whipping boys of the Big 12. Iowa State has a great, loyal fanbase, according to USA Today, and it’s about time the Cyclones are rewarded with a solid, winning team.
They may not have a winning record by the end of the year, but ISU will have a winning record after Game 1 against an in-state foe.
Last year, Northern Iowa went 5-6 and 4-4 in conference to finish fourth in the Missouri Valley. ISU went 3-9 and 2-7 to finish ninth in the Big 12.
Prediction: Iowa State 38, Northern Iowa 17.