Matt Campbell previews Iowa State football in the Big 12 Championship

AMES – Less than a week ago, Iowa State football made history.

The No. 16 Cyclones finished the regular season with a win, defeating Kansas State 29-21 to secure a 10-win season for the first time in program history.

But the team’s focus quickly shifted from celebrating to preparing for the Big 12 championship game, where the Cyclones face No. 13 Arizona State on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Arlington, Texas.

Here are three takeaways from head coach Matt Campbell’s media availability ahead of the title game.

More:Hines: After scandal and setback, Iowa State football reaches the Big 12 championship game

Arizona State poses multiple threats on offense

There has been a lot of focus on the loss of Jordyn Tyson — Arizona State’s 1,000-yard receiver — as he will miss the Big 12 Championship due to injury.

But that doesn’t mean the Sun Devils are out of options on offense. Wide receiver Xavier Guillory totaled 291 yards and three touchdowns on 17 receptions, averaging 17.12 yards per catch. Tight end Chamon Metayer is another threat, recording 285 yards and five touchdowns on 28 catches.

And then there’s running back Cam Skattebo, who is as much of a threat catching passes as he is playing football.

“They’re dynamic,” Campbell said of Arizona State’s offense. “They have a unique ability to put pressure on the defense in every way and form. Of course, you never want to lose a good football player at this time of year.

“But good football teams have great players, and they definitely have a lot of them.”

More:Will Iowa State make the College Football Playoff? Bracket scenarios, predictions

Arizona State’s revenue margin could be a problem

If there’s one thing the Sun Devils do well, it’s creating turnovers.

Arizona State has a sales margin of plus-11, meaning it created nearly a dozen more sales than it gave up. That margin of 11 is the 11th-best of any FBS team.

The Sun Devils recovered five fumbles and lost three. The real difference, however, comes in interceptions, where Arizona State has 14 to its opponents’ five total.

“Just look at the last four games, they’ve been able to get turnovers early and often,” Campbell said. “Whether it was on defense or special teams, they had the ability to attack and certainly be the aggressor.”

More:Airfares from Iowa to Dallas for Iowa State vs. Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship

Iowa State injury update

It feels like every week there is a long list of injury updates on injured players, and the week leading up to the conference championship is no different.

Campbell provided updates on linebackers Caleb Bacon and Cael Brezina, defensive back Mailk Verdon and tight end Ben Brahmer.

“Caleb is back into football and I think he’s a lot closer than farther away,” Campbell said. “He’s still not ruled out for this season, so I think that’s a big positive for Iowa State football.

“Ben is much closer, was at the practice field today. Where is he, can he really go in and play? We’ll see how the week goes on. Cael is probably still a question mark at the moment and then Malik was in training today so I think there’s a real chance he could be available for us.”

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