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No. 15 Utah at Iowa State: Week 4 college football preview

Fifteenth-ranked Utah puts its undefeated three-game record on the line this Saturday as the squad travels for its initial Big 12 conference matchup. The team faces Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

MT on FOX. Utah arrives following a dominant nonconference stretch where they outscored their opponents 142 to 24.

Meanwhile, the home side enters with a two-win and one-loss record, having most recently dropped a narrow 16-13 decision against Iowa. Weather conditions in Ames point toward a wet afternoon, setting the stage for a gritty clash dominated by ground attacks.

Iowa State relies heavily on a rushing scheme averaging over 203 yards per contest, spearheaded by standout runner Aiden Flora. Flora comes off a massive performance totaling 194 yards and two scores against Bowling Green, establishing himself as the primary offensive engine for the Cyclones.

Conversely, Iowa State struggles through the air, registering the lowest passing numbers in the conference while attempting far more runs than passes. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor has tossed four touchdowns alongside one interception over three starts, though his passing yardage totals remain modest.

Utah counters with a formidable rushing defense allowing just 75 yards per game on the ground, ranking second across the Big 12. Defensive coordinator Colton Swan along with frontline contributors Jireh Moe and Karson Kaufusi aim to shut down the run early, forcing Raynor into obvious passing situations where the visiting secondary can capitalize on a unit that has allowed only one aerial touchdown all season.

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