Nov 27, 2020; Austin, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Charlie Kolar (88) avoids tackle from Texas Longhorns defensive back Caden Sterns (7) in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 38, Texas 24
Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 31, Texas 28
I think both of these teams will be highly motivated. Both of them feel their backs against the wall. If Mike Rose is able to play, I think Iowa State wins this game. If he doesn’t… things could get awfully dicey against Bijan Robinson.
Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 34, Texas 27
The Longhorns are obviously in disarray (what else is new?), but no matter what level of noise is surrounding the program, the talent remains. The offense — despite being potentially down its No. 2 and No. 3 receivers — is loaded with speed and skill and the defense can be stout when made ornery. ISU, meanwhile, is trying to recover from an uncharacteristically poor performance on the defensive side of the ball at West Virginia, but the culture remains sound. Whether Mike Rose returns or not, ISU reverts to elite form on defense and does enough on offense to keep Texas trending downward.
Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Texas 34, Iowa State 27
Texas and Bijan Robinson need a breakout game, while Iowa State has a lot of questions following an inexplicable loss. The talent disparity with Texas skill vs. ISU coverage is just too much. Another good game, but Texas pulls it out.
Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 39, Texas 30
This game is gonna be won by the team that slaps the Ted Lasso “Believe” sign harder (and doesn’t have a Nate on their staff, thAT LITTLE MO–sorry, no spoilers, I got carried away). But with each team suffering a disappointing loss, the gears of the season have started to change out of high-achievement mode into desperation mode (for Texas) and grind-and-hope mode (for Iowa State). Teams have to still WANT to play despite all that. Iowa State has shown consistency of attitude much more than Texas has over the past 3-4 years. After meeting force with force, Iowa State is able to keep the faith longer and wins a physical game.
Bret Meyer, Football Analyst – Iowa State 28, Texas 20
Home field advantage means more this week as Texas will get its first taste of weather for the year. Low 50s with some wind come Saturday night with a lathered up and angry Jack Trice crowd works in our favor. The defense plays better and we hand Texas its fourth consecutive loss.
Todd Blythe, Football Analyst – Iowa State 34, Texas 24
No monkey business this week for the Cyclones. I expect our defense to get back on track and play like (pole) assassins against the Longhorns. In what may be the last matchup against Texas, our boys will be focused and motivated.
