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Ranked opponents for Iowa, ISU

No. 15 Utah enters Ames

By Dana Becker, Sports Writer 2 min read

AMES – Jimmy Rogers' first taste of Big 12 Conference action will take place here Saturday when he leads his Iowa State football team into battle vs. No. 15 Utah.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m., with the game airing live on FOX.

The Cyclones (2-1 overall, 0-0 in Big 12) will also be at home next week when they face West Virginia, giving them a chance to gain momentum in the league.

Jaylen Raynor has settled in at quarterback, as the Arkansas State transfer has thrown for 434 yards and four touchdowns. Aiden Flora, a former Iowa high school quarterback at ADM, has become a force out of the backfield.

Flora leads Iowa State with 328 yards rushing, scoring three touchdowns. He went off for 194 yards on 12 carries in a 55-7 victory over Bowling Green, finding the end zone twice.

"I know there are teams out there that are extremely talented, but if you've bought into something and it's not just about you, you have a shot," Rogers said. "That's what physicality and speed and toughness (give you). It gives us a shot, and I felt good about that."

Utah (3-0, 0-0) features quarterback Devon Dampier, as the veteran has completed 53 of 74 for 690 yards and seven touchdowns. Braden Pegan is his favorite target, catching 15 passes for 235 yards and three scores.

Byrd Ficklin rotates in with Dampier, throwing for 166 yards and running for 117. Dampier also has 114 yards on the ground and two scores.

"These guys are good," Rogers said. "They're really good. And they don't put up these numbers if they weren't. They're really good on defense, so they have more opportunities on offense.

"We'll have our hands full for sure."

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