Matt Belinson, sports editor (6-3)

Iowa State 48, Texas Tech 24

I don’t see how Iowa State and Texas Tech are in a close game in the fourth quarter. Then again, one of my three incorrect picks this year was when the Cyclones fell asleep in Morgantown and lost.

But Texas Tech is not good. Its defense has given up 70 points to a Texas team that managed only seven against Iowa State, 52 points to TCU and 52 points to Oklahoma. And Matt Campbell has never lost to the Red Raiders.

So yeah, I’ve got a big offensive showing from Iowa State on Saturday.

Sam Stuve, assistant sports editor (6-3)

Iowa State 34, Texas 27

To me, Iowa State (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) is in the same situation that it was in two weeks ago. Then, it was coming off of a big win over No. 8 Oklahoma State but was about to play in what felt like a “trap game.” 

Now Iowa State is coming off of a 23-point win against Texas as it heads to Lubbock, Texas, to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-4, 2-4 Big 12). Iowa State can’t afford any loss moving forward if it wants to go to the Big 12 Championship, and so with three games remaining, the pressure is on.

While Iowa State could easily win this by double digits, I see Texas Tech being feisty and making this much closer than some expected. Texas Tech may not have the best defense in the world, but the offense can keep it in the game.

And with a new coach coming in and not a lot of people believing in the program, this Texas Tech team may be playing with a chip on its shoulder.

I think Iowa State will be able to move the ball with ease, but some defensive lapses and special teams’ mistakes make this closer than some may expect. 

James Powell, assistant sports editor (5-4)

Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 13

While understanding that this could be a “trap game” sandwiched between powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma, that doesn’t mean it has to be.

Iowa State fell into a lull when they traveled to West Virginia, and I don’t see Campbell and the boys making that mistake again, even a little bit.

Plus, Texas Tech stinks. I see Cyclones rolling in this one as they trudge onto Oklahoma.

Hannah Scott, limelight editor

Iowa State 31, Texas Tech 17

Looking at how Iowa State has performed in its past few games, it seems that it has a solid shot of making this a good turnout against Texas Tech. However, they will have to be careful about making sure they don’t fall into a slump.

There has been a pattern where they seem to do very well, as they did last week against Texas and then fall from that spot, but I feel they can hold onto their momentum.

Going back on Texas Tech’s past performance this season, they have not been the best, and I have confidence that Iowa State can hold the defense against them.

I put my bets on the Cyclones taking this one and not making it a close call.