Oct 19, 2024; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Jontez Williams (3) celebrates after his interception to seal the game against the UCF Knights at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Knights 38 to 35. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
No. 11 Iowa State returns to the field after a bye week to face off with Texas Tech for its annual homecoming game at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday (2:30 p.m. ESPN). Here’s everything you need to know for Saturday’s game.
Game Day Information
No. 11 Iowa State (7-0, 3-0 Big 12) vs. Texas Tech (5-3, 3-2 Big 12)
Location: Ames, Iowa
Stadium: Jack Trice Stadium (61,500)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN (Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Taylor McGregor)
Radio: Varsity Network (John Walters, Eric Heft, Ryan Harklau)
Line: Iowa State -13.5 (via Action Network updated Thursday)
Over/Under: 56.5
Series Results
Texas Tech leads the all-series with Iowa State at 13-8.
Recent Results
2022: Texas Tech 14, Iowa State 10 (Ames)
2021: Texas Tech 41, Iowa State 38 (Lubbock)
2020: Iowa State 31, Texas Tech 15 (Ames)
2019: Iowa State 34, Texas Tech 24 (Lubbock)
2018: Iowa State 40, Texas Tech 31 (Lubbock)
Players to watch
Carson Hansen, running back (Iowa State)
Hansen had limited carries in the second half after an explosive start in Iowa State’s 38-35 win over UCF two weeks ago. The bye-week gave players time to heal up and Hansen had three-straight 90-plus yard games going into the last one. We’ll see if his impressive streak keeps up.
J.R. Singleton, defensive line (Iowa State)
Iowa State got carved up by a dual-threat quarterback in its last game against UCF, and the best defense this week, should Texas Tech true freshman Will Hammond see the field, is getting after him. Singleton is one sack away from a career high and wants to get to 8-0 as much as anyone in JTS this week.
Jontez Williams, defensive back (Iowa State)
The Iowa State defensive back has the longest streak in the country for interceptions in consecutive games, having one in each of the Cyclones’ Big 12 matchups this season. The Cyclones have 12 interceptions on the year, and there’s no doubt Williams will be hunting for another one Saturday.
The quarterbacks (Texas Tech)
It may be gamesmanship at the end of the day, but that’s what Iowa State is facing after the circumstances of Texas Tech’s loss to TCU. The Red Raiders made a quarterback change at halftime, citing an injury to regular starter and predominant pocket passer Behren Morton in the loss. True freshman Will Hammond, a former four-star prospect known to put his legs to use, relieved Morton and nearly led Texas Tech to victory. Although Joey McGuire says nothing is structurally wrong with Morton’s non-throwing shoulder (where the injury occurred), don’t be surprised if Hammond sees some playing time.
Tahj Boyd, running back (Texas Tech)
The Red Raider running back has been one of the best in college football this season, and has yet to fail to reach the century mark in a single game this year. Whatever the Cyclones did in Morgantown to slow down the Mountaineers rushing attack will be needed this week.
Chapman Lewis, defensive back (Texas Tech)
The sophomore defensive back leads the Red Raiders with three interceptions this season. He missed a pair of games for Texas Tech but returned on Saturday and grabbed another interception.
Keys to the game
Don’t be surprised
Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock isn’t one to be caught off guard, nor does the unit typically show those traits on the field. As I said earlier, Iowa State can’t be caught off guard if a dual threat Will Hammond takes substantial snaps this weekend. That’s only more likely because of how UCF looked. The bye week should help the cause in slowing down a rushing quarterback, but you can never feel too safe.
Air out the ball
Texas Tech comes into this game with the worst passing defense in the FBS. The Red Raiders allow 308.3 yards per game in the air, and gave up 344 to TCU quarterback Josh Hoover last week. If Becht can settle in early, the Cyclone offense could have itself a day.
Play it loose
Whether players and coaches say they pay attention or not, the national hype has been built around Iowa State’s 7-0 start. That brings pressure – one mistake could be the difference between 8-0 or 7-1, and that’s massive when it comes to a 12-game season. Iowa State’s got to play to the crowd and remember to stay loose as each game gets bigger than the last while stacking wins up like this.
Around the Big 12
| Big 12 Standings | ||
| Team | OVR | Big 12 |
| No. 9 BYU | 8-0 | 5-0 |
| No. 11 Iowa State | 7-0 | 4-0 |
| No. 17 Kansas State | 7-1 | 4-1 |
| No. 23 Colorado | 6-2 | 4-1 |
| TCU | 5-3 | 3-2 |
| Texas Tech | 5-3 | 3-2 |
| Cincinnati | 5-3 | 3-2 |
| West Virginia | 4-4 | 3-2 |
| Arizona State | 5-2 | 2-2 |
| Baylor | 4-4 | 2-3 |
| Houston | 3-5 | 2-3 |
| Arizona | 3-5 | 1-4 |
| Utah | 4-4 | 1-4 |
| UCF | 3-5 | 1-4 |
| Kansas | 2-6 | 1-4 |
| Oklahoma State | 3-5 | 0-5 |
Saturday, November 2
2:30 p.m. | Texas Tech (3-2) @ No. 11 Iowa State (4-0), ESPN
2:30 p.m. | No. 17 Kansas State (4-1) @ Houston (2-3), FOX
2:30 p.m. | Arizona (1-4) @ UCF (1-4), FS1
6:00 p.m. | Arizona State (2-2) @ Oklahoma State (0-5), FS1
7:00 p.m. | TCU (3-2) @ Baylor (2-3), ESPN2
