After a disappointing performance against Oklahoma State that featured missed opportunities, and a severe deviation from the offensive gameplan that led to a ridiculous 62 pass attempts, Iowa State badly needed a strong offensive performance against Oklahoma. This skew toward the passing game allowed the Pokes to adjust their defensive scheme and beginning jumping passing lanes. Brock Purdy missed a few reads, but the playcalling did him absolutely no favors.
The benefit of making a trip to Norman to face the Sooners provided a couple motivations to reemphasize the running and screen games in the overall attack.
- Kansas State and Army have both demonstrated over the past two seasons that a pointed effort to gash the OU defense on the ground not only can produce a lot of success due to their struggle to stop the run, but it also keeps the Sooner offense off the field, which might be even more valuable.