Oct 10, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Breece Hall (28) runs the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports.
Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 41, Texas Tech 17
Matt Campbell owns Texas Tech. The Cyclones are 5-0 vs. Tech during Campbell’s tenure, outscoring the Red Raiders 202-93 along the way. I don’t see this affair being much different. The Red Raiders are giving up 4.6 yards per rush, ranked 93rd nationally in that statistic. Expect a massive day from Breece Hall setting up a showdown next week in Norman.
Jared Stansbury, Managing Editor – Iowa State 45, Texas Tech 20
I don’t see a way Texas Tech puts up more than 20 on Iowa State’s defense and I can’t imagine the Red Raiders’ defense, which ranks near the bottom of the league in almost every statistical category, holding Iowa State below 20. This game might be close for a while, but the Cyclones pull away and feel comfortable for most of the second half.
Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 17
Tech’s new head coach, Joey McGuire, looks like an energetic and inspiring guy, but I’m not sure there’s much he can do to pump up this wildly inconsistent Red Raiders team. Tech can put up points, but not against ISU’s defense if the Cyclones are locked in like they’ve been almost all season. Come with a good game plan, execute and avoid turnovers and this is likely a three-touchdown game.
Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 44, Texas Tech 14
Texas Tech will be in a similar emotional state to ISU’s most recent opponent. They’re a team who’s not sure who there they are. If they are in the game, they’re explosive enough to be pesky. But if you give them a reason to quit, they will. ISU gives them many reasons to quit.
Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 34, Texas Tech 21
I really like where this ISU team is at present. This game has a trap component though. ISU up and playing down to competition while TT is up with enthusiasm from a new coach. See the West Virginia dynamic. But, I think ISU has grown from that and TT doesn’t have enough to make it stick. Another solid win on foreign soil.
Bret Meyer, Football Analyst – Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 14
Meeting your new head coach during the season who won’t actually be coaching you this year has to top the list of all-time distractions. We are facing a defense that has given up 70, 52, and 52 this season. I expect a big day from our offense.
Todd Blythe, Football Analyst – Iowa State 52, Texas Tech 17
Announcing a new HC may be a reason for excitement, but it also causes distractions. Texas Tech has given up over 50 pts in 3 of their 6 Big 12 games this year. With the ISU offense clicking late in the season I’d be on the lookout for a 4th 50 burger against the Red Raider defense. Unless Kingsbury, Mahomes, and Crabtree show up on Saturday I expect another dominating showing on defense from the Cyclones.
