AMES, Iowa — Even as Will Grier’s touchdown-slinging reputation precedes him, it’s the other quarterback who makes West Virginia-Iowa State intriguing Saturday.
True freshman Brock Purdy dazzled in his first extended action by accounting for 402 yards and five touchdowns when the Cyclones upset then-No. 25 Oklahoma State 48-42 on the road.
Now Purdy goes for an encore against No. 6 West Virginia (5-0, 3-0) in a Big 12 showdown in Ames. It’s another validation opportunity for the rookie who spurned scholarship offers from Texas A&M and Alabama.
“He’s got a cannon,” said Iowa State receiver Tarique Milton, who caught a 60-yard scoring pass from Purdy last week.