Phil Steele Backs West Virginia to Upset Iowa State
College football analyst Phil Steele expects West Virginia to rebound against Iowa State and win as an underdog. He said Iowa State's defense showed flaws against a mobile quarterback in a loss to Utah, which could help West Virginia's offense. Steele also noted that he had made West Virginia a four-point favorite before the season.
Phil Steele, a national analyst who has been high on West Virginia, shared his pick on the In the Gun Podcast. He expected the Mountaineers to beat Oklahoma State and was encouraged when they led in the third quarter, but their defensive showing changed that outcome.
Steele sees Iowa State as a favorable matchup for West Virginia's offense. He pointed to Utah's success with a mobile quarterback and 6.2 yards per carry, plus Iowa State's defensive flaws in that game. Steele also said he had made West Virginia a four-point favorite before the season.
Steele's public support may influence how fans, analysts, and bettors discuss West Virginia's matchup with Iowa State. It could raise expectations for a Mountaineer rebound and add pressure on the coaching staff, while giving Iowa State players and supporters extra motivation. For college football audiences, such analyst picks often shape pregame narratives and social media debate, though the game's outcome will ultimately determine whether Steele's reasoning looks prescient or misguided.