Iowa State
Abu Sama III – Running back
Needless to say, Sama III had his big breakout game in Iowa State’s win over BYU. Following an absence in their loss to Kansas, Sama III definitely had his get-back game Saturday.
Sama III finished his day against the Cougars with 110 yards on eight rushes for two touchdowns, with his longest being a 59-yard breakout run that resulted in a score.
Texas’ run defense is coming off of barely halting TCU running back Emani Bailey below 100 yards on the ground, but they did however let him in for a score.
In general, the run defense has held still for Texas, and it will be a challenge for the Cyclones’ running back room to establish a base for their running attack Saturday.
Jamison Patton – Defensive back
Patton once again filled in a big role for the Iowa State secondary in the game against BYU following another missed game from Jeremiah Cooper, who was still dealing with an injury.
The true freshman did not miss his opportunity to make plays for the Cyclones, as his performance in Iowa State’s win over BYU was highlighted by his first career interception that was returned for 30 yards late in the fourth quarter.
According to head coach Matt Campbell, Cooper has a higher chance to play Saturday than he has previously before, so Patton’s role may be shrinking with Cooper’s reappearance.
But this shouldn’t take away too much from Patton’s presence this coming Saturday, as he looks to continue to make big plays when they come his way with a potentially smaller role.
T.J. Tampa – Defensive back
There has been no doubt that Tampa has been one of the vital pieces to the success of the Iowa State defense this season, as he’s been one of the top defensive backs in the nation.
His ability to lock down opposing receivers makes opposing quarterbacks have to throw to other options when it might not be the best option.
Tampa has collected 33 total tackles, 28 being solo tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended, which is tied for the best on the team.
But Tampa will have his work cut out for him in this upcoming game versus Texas, as he will most likely get a lot of reps versus wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who has emerged as one of the better receivers in the nation.
Texas
Quinn Ewers – Quarterback
Ewers returned for the first time Saturday for Texas after missing the prior two games due to a shoulder injury.
In their win versus TCU, Ewers completed 22 of his 33 passes for 317 yards with a touchdown and an interception, as the Longhorns just squeaked out a win versus the Horned Frogs.
On the season, Ewers has had his moments playing in conference and has done enough in the end to help Texas be in the position they are at this moment.
But coming into a Saturday night game in Ames, with temperatures hovering around the 40s, could make it hard for Ewers and the Texas offense to get things rolling, so look for them to get off to a quick start.
CJ Baxter – Running back
Coming into this game, Baxter will likely be filling in a big hole at running back for the Longhorns, as Texas lost their star for the season following an injury.
Running back Jonathon Brooks tore his ACL in their win versus TCU as he was having an amazing season, rushing for over 1,100 yards while scoring 10 different times.
While being the backup for Brooks, Baxter has rushed the ball 87 times for 390 yards and has scored three touchdowns this season. Texas has not kept Baxter out of the gameplan even when Brooks was by far the leading rusher, and he’ll get his chance to shine Saturday as the lead back.
However, Baxter will have his work cut out for him against a Cyclone defense that has given up less than 60 yards rushing to opposing running backs in the past four games.
Jaylan Ford – Linebacker
Ford has been a key part of Texas’ success on the defensive side of the ball, as he’s been the Longhorns’ leading tackler for the past two seasons and does not seem to be giving up that crown.
But for this season, Ford has racked up 74 total tackles, 36 of them being solo tackles, while also getting a sack, two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Ford’s drive helps the Longhorn defense to keep conference opponents to 30 points or less, which could make them a key factor in this upcoming matchup.
