Oct 19, 2024; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass during their game with 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 are our staff’s predictions.
Chris Williams (6-1)
I like the fact that Iowa State is coming off of a bye here. The quarterback spot has gotten headlines, but Tech has injury concerns in the secondary and on the offensive line. I think the Raiders will put up some points early but like Iowa State comfortably win late. Iowa State 45, Texas Tech 24.
Rob Gray (6-1)
The Red Raiders defense is one of the worst in the country statistically-speaking, but it does force plenty of turnovers. Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht must be sharp and he should be as his team tries to avoid another slow start and get to 8-0 for the first time in program history. If ISU’s defense can slow down talented Texas Tech tailback Tahj Brooks and his backups, a comfortable win should materialize. Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 21
Connor Ferguson (7-0)
Iowa State puts the ball in the air as Rocco Becht has his most efficient game of the season, throwing for multiple touchdowns as the offense rolls. The Cyclones give up some points between Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks and a combo of quarterbacks the Red Raiders put on the field to try and catch Jon Heacock off guard. Iowa State 30, Texas Tech 15
Jeff Woody (7-0)
Don’t expect the Clones to come out flat. This team will be healthy (or healthier) than they’ve been in a while. But more importantly, they understand what is in front of them, they understand what it takes to achieve their goals, and the only way to do that is to win every game in front of you. Tech can score, but they can’t stop a nosebleed. The teams trade punches until Heacock finally nails down what Tech wants to do and the Cyclones run game re-emerges for a late sleeper-hold win. Iowa State 41, Texas Tech 27
Grant Mahoney (7-0)
I think stopping Tahj Brooks will be a tall task and he may get his in this game, but ultimately I think the ISU defense gets enough stops, forces enough turnovers, and a rested Rocco and Co. carve up the Texas Tech defense putting ISU at 8-0 for the first time in school history. Iowa State 34, Texas Tech 17
Jackson Pence (7-0)
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Iowa State. The Cyclones are finally starting to get “healthier”, and that bodes well against this stout Red Raider offense. Texas Tech has the worst scoring defense and pass defense in the Big 12 and that sets up great for Taylor Mouser and Co. The Cyclones need to get out to an early lead and make Tech try and beat you down the field, which is a tough task against that Iowa State secondary. This game will be close at halftime, but I think the Cyclones pull away in the second half, much like they did against Baylor. The Cyclones move to 8-0 for the first time in program history. Iowa State 45, Texas Tech 27
