Oct 26, 2019; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) throws as TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Garret Wallow (30) defends during the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 35, Texas 27
I am a bit mixed on this game as I think both of these teams turned a big corner in the second halves of last week’s contests. Iowa State nearly pulled off an improbable comeback in Norman while Texas outlasted a tough Kansas State team. At the beginning of the week, I had Iowa State pegged by double digits. After taking a second look at the Texas/K-State game, I am more convinced that the Longhorns will be a significant threat to knock Iowa State off at home. I’m still rolling with the good guys though. Iowa State is so close, so freaking close to turning this thing into a monster. The tougher team will win on Saturday and I believe that will be Iowa State.
Jared Stansbury, Staff Writer – Iowa State 42, Texas 31
Based on the way we saw Iowa State finish last week’s game in Norman, I’m not sure there is a team in the country I’d rather be less than Texas. The Longhorns have a fired-up football team ready to prove themselves on their hands Saturday afternoon in Ames. The key will be holding onto the football and limiting self-inflicted mistakes. If that happens, I think the Cyclones could feel pretty comfortable by about sundown on Saturday, but if not this could turn into a real barn burner.
Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 38, Texas 27
The Cyclones have scored 34 or more points in four of the past five games and, coincidentally, Texas is allowing 34 points per game to Big 12 opponents. That ranks seventh in the league. I like everything about Iowa State in this matchup and fully expect one of the team’s best efforts of the season. It’s tight for a while as the Longhorns can definitely move the ball and score, but a second-half takeaway and solid defense help the Cyclones secure a reasonably comfortable win.
Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 38, Texas 27
Texas does certain things well that Iowa State does not. However, I do not believe they will find execution easy for the entire game. Conversely, I believe Iowa State has found some offensive identity with the 3 tight set. I also think when ISU splits out you will see 1 or 2 TE’s split. If Iowa State adheres to what I believe their identity is, then Texas will have a much harder time stopping them than Iowa State will stopping Texas.
Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 32, Texas 19
Iowa State has what Texas doesn’t like to face on offense: diversity. Teams that have been able to spread the ball out against Texas have had success – OU, Kansas (yes, Kansas), West Virginia. But Iowa State’s Achilles heel has been in giving up the ball. They avoided it against OU and they need to continue to do the same thing. ISU also specializes (aside from a few big runs) in stopping the opposing running game. UT’s entire offense is predicated on their ability to run, so it seems like a matchup advantage for the Cyclones on both sides, save for mistakes.
ISU has the chance, if they don’t turn it over, to make a statement.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 38, Texas 17
I feel strangely confident about this game and that usually means Iowa State will either win by a lot or have something catastrophic occur. I refuse to believe Matt Campbell and Brock Purdy will let the latter happen, so I’m going to step out on a limb here and predict everything comes together on a magical Saturday afternoon in Ames.
Kirk Haaland, Stats Nerd – Iowa State 34, Texas 28
It sure seems like Iowa State is ready and due to put it all together for a complete game, and they very well could need two of those in the last three games if they are to beat Texas and win at Kansas State. Texas has been depleted by injuries on the defensive side of the ball, but per the usual, has failed to live up to the pre-season hype train. The Longhorn defense has been giving up yards but they are top 25 in terms of takeaways. If the Cyclones can avoid the big mistakes with the ball and contain the strong Texas rush attack they should be fine.
