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Iowa State Makes Key Offensive Line Change Before Week 0
Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Iowa State is making adjustments up front ahead of its Week 0 matchup against Kansas State in Dublin.

The Cyclones announced that starting left guard Trevor Buhr will miss today’s game due to illness, forcing a reshuffle along the offensive line.

In response, starting center Dylan Barrett will slide over to left guard, while Jim Bonifas steps in to take over at center. The move ensures that Iowa State keeps experience on the interior while plugging the sudden gap created by Buhr’s absence.

Buhr, a redshirt junior, has been a steady presence in the trenches and was expected to be a key piece of the line tasked with protecting quarterback Rocco Becht. His absence puts additional pressure on the Cyclones to maintain continuity against a Kansas State front known for its physicality and depth.

Barrett’s flexibility gives the staff confidence in the shuffle, as he brings starting experience and leadership to whichever position he plays. Bonifas, meanwhile, will be tested early in his new role, facing a Kansas State defense that thrives on disrupting timing and winning at the point of attack.

For Iowa State, the timing of the lineup change adds intrigue to what is already a critical early-season matchup. Farmageddon’s move to Dublin is a marquee spotlight for the Big 12, and how the Cyclones manage their offensive line against one of the league’s most consistent programs could go a long way in determining the outcome.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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