Oct 3, 2020; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back SaRodorick Thompson (4) runs away from Kansas State Wildcats defensive tackle Eli Huggins (92) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 34, Texas Tech 24
I don’t believe Iowa State will have a letdown at all here. I do believe that Texas Tech is much better than their 0-2 Big 12 record. They should have beaten Texas and were in it until the fourth quarter with a backup quarterback against K-State. Matt Wells is a good football coach. I think Tech will be able to run the ball early against the Cyclones. This smells like a lower scoring game to me … I think Matt Campbell will try to really establish the run and keep his defense off of the field. This feels like a game that Iowa State will win comfortably, but not excessively. More workmanlike than stylistic.
Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 31, Texas Tech 21
This game will likely be more low scoring than most people think. Texas Tech runs the ball better than they have at any point since Matt Campbell arrived in Ames, but the same can be said about the Cyclones. I’m guessing this will turn into a contest where Iowa State just tries to grind it out on the ground then hits a couple big plays in the passing game. If Iowa State can limit those big plays when Tech has the ball, then this should be a comfortable (but not easy) win for the Cyclones.
Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 27
I’m dubious of Iowa State covering a 13-point spread but supremely confident in a third straight win. Why? The Red Raiders’ offense is explosive, fast and somewhat balanced, but it can still get sloppy. The Cyclones’ defense is finally showing signs of being opportunistic — and getting at least a couple of takeaways will be crucial on Saturday. Brock Purdy and Breece Hall should make a handful of explosive plays each and the continually improving play from the O-line will keep Tech’s front seven on its heels.
Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 33, Texas Tech 20
You may be thinking that Iowa State is going to have a letdown week. But what are the biggest wins of the last few years? Beating Oklahoma in 2017. Game following? Beat the brakes off of Kansas 45-0. West Virginia in 2018? Followed that up with a 40-31 win against Tech at home. This team isn’t really prone to letdowns. Especially when you can look at that OU film and say a bunch of good things but see a LOT of needed improvements still. Tech can score but their defense is just as suspect as ever.
Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 37, Texas Tech 34
Iowa State can establish the running game and take pressure off of Purdy which seems to be in order. Tech can score and cause problems because they run the ball really well. If ISU can reduce drive-killing penalties and play well against the run, they can get off the field enough to score against a weak pass defense. It will be closer than anyone likes because Tech is closer to turning the corner than it may seem. A 10 point margin is narrowed at the end.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 66, Texas Tech 9
Allow me to take a page out of Kirk Haaland’s playbook and hit you with a couple of cold, hard stats: since 2016, Iowa State has beaten Texas Tech by an average score of 66-10 in Jack Trice Stadium during election years. Not only that – Cyclone quarterbacks have averaged six rushing touchdowns against Tech in games using those same parameters. The numbers don’t lie, folks. Expect Brock Purdy to match that six rushing touchdown average on Saturday and for the good guys to put up a similar point total. However, since the Red Raiders don’t have a Super Bowl MVP at quarterback or an NFL head coach calling the shots this time around, I expect less offensive output from them and have adjusted my prediction accordingly.
Kirk Haaland, Contributor – Iowa State 31, Texas Tech 23
Cyclone fandom leads you to be fearful of a “letdown game” following a huge home win against the traditional top dog in the conference. However, I guarantee that the post-game speech last Saturday was five percent focused on doing what had to be done to get the win and 95 percent focused on mistakes and execution that left plays on the field. It was a good win but it wasn’t the goal of the season, merely a stepping stone and I trust that Matt Campbell has had their attention since Sunday morning. Texas Tech will likely hit on some big plays and score some points but I also think we’ll see more progression from the Iowa State offense and continued great play from the defense.
