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5 things Oklahoma fans should know about Iowa State: Keep an eye on RB Breece Hall

This is Iowa State’s first trip to Norman since its shocking upset victory in 2017.

Here are five things Oklahoma fans should know before the No. 9 Sooners face Iowa State in Norman on Saturday night:

Brock Purdy is back and playing well

Even without David Montgomery or Hakeem Butler, quarterback Brock Purdy is still excelling in Matt Campbell’s offense. He’s completed 68.5 percent of his passes this season, throwing for 2,567 yards and 15 touchdowns so far. The sophomore put up similar numbers in 2018, but has not yet faced the Sooners. Purdy has been interception prone at times, throwing 14 picks in 18 career games.

Breece Hall is a problem

True freshman running back Breece Hall is going to be a major factor on Saturday. He stormed onto the scene a few weeks ago against West Virginia, to the tune of 26 carries for 132 yards and three scores. Despite only being apart of the offense for the last three games, Hall has 475 yards and seven touchdowns, and is the Cyclones’ leading rusher. He’s not as good as Montgomery — yet — but he’s plenty good enough to cause the Sooners some problems on Saturday.

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Charlie Kolar’s homecoming

Norman native Charlie Kolar will be playing in his hometown for the first time since he joined Iowa State. It just so happens that Kolar is one of Iowa State’s leading receivers to this point in the season. The sophomore tight end is second on his team in catches (34), third in yards (486) and first in touchdowns (5). He’s arguably been the Big 12’s best tight end this season and is an excellent target for Purdy in the red zone.

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Iowa State’s defense is still capable

Oklahoma fans will remember what happened the last time Iowa State came to Norman. ISU defensive coordinator Jon Heacock unleashed a scheme that held the Sooners just seven second-half points. Heacock will be back on Saturday, and his defense is just as capable as the one that came out with a win two years ago. The Cyclones rank in the top five of the Big 12 in rushing defense, passing defense, passing defense efficiency, total defense and scoring defense.

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The Cyclones are big underdogs

The consensus line has Oklahoma as 14.5 point favorites, a line that opened at 13 earlier in the week. Dating back to 2016, the Cyclones are 6-2 ATS when they’re more than a 14-point underdog, according to Oddsharks’ college football betting database. The last three times it’s happened have all been against the Sooners, and Iowa State covered each time. On the Oklahoma side of things, the Sooners are 13-17 against the spread in the last 30 instances in which they have been 14-point favorites.