Good Cop: Noah Lablanc
Iowa State football is the best it has ever been right now. Two weeks ago, the Cyclones advanced to 7-0 for the first time since 1938.
The team is succeeding on a level not seen since before World War II. Already bowl eligible, the Cyclones now chase a playoff bid, a trip to the Big 12 Championship game and the first 10-win season in Iowa State history.
The Cyclones are coming off of a bye week after a comeback against UCF that, at one point, seemed nearly impossible. With just over two minutes left in the 4th quarter, UCF had the lead and the ball in Iowa State territory. The ESPN prediction gave the Knights a 99.9% chance of winning.
When the clock struck zero following a clutch stop, a quick touchdown drive led by quarterback Rocco Becht and a game-sealing interception by defensive back Jontez Williams, Iowa State miraculously had won the game 38-35. This game proved something that could also be seen in the week two win over Iowa. This team has heart, and can claw to wins where most teams would roll over and accept defeat.
This mentality starts in the front office. The Cyclones are led by one of the best coaching staffs in the nation.
Earlier this season, head coach Matt Campbell passed Dan McCarney to become the winningest coach in Iowa State history. Campbell is a great coach himself, but he’s also filled out his staff with excellent company.
Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has led one of the most effective defenses in the Big 12 this year, and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser has continued the evolution of the offense into a deadly duel-threat in his first season in the position.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech has faltered in recent weeks. After starting the season with a 5-1 record, the Red Raiders find themselves in a two-game skid.
The losses came against Baylor and TCU, both of whom have struggled to find sustained success this year. Although Texas Tech has a high-powered offense, it finds itself against an Iowa State defense that has only allowed 14.43 points per game this season.
The Cyclones are rolling this season, and after a close call and a week to rest up, they should come out recharged and ready to prove they are a top 10 team in the country. Every game thus far has been a further dive into what is becoming the best season in the 132 year history of Iowa State football. The storm will keep rolling this weekend against Texas Tech.
Score Prediction: No. 11 Iowa State 33, Texas Tech 20
Bad Cop: John Kirkpatrick
The No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones are coming off a very fortunate bye week and look to capitalize from their week of rest with a win against the formidable Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Before its bye, Iowa State moved to 7-0, beating UCF thanks to some late game heroics by the offense and defense. The Red Raiders bring a much more balanced offensive approach than UCF, and it could prove to be overwhelming for Iowa State if the defense can’t stay healthy.
The Red Raiders have many offensive weapons at their disposal. Senior running back Tahj Brooks has 925 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, topping 100 yards every game except for one.
The wide receiver trio of senior Josh Kelly (60 rec, 609 yards and three touchdowns), junior Caleb Douglas (39 rec, 559 yards and four touchdowns) and sophomore Coy Eakin (26 rec, 395 yards and six touchdowns) make up a very capable receiver corp.
With junior quarterback Behren Morton questionable for the upcoming game, it will be interesting to see how well backup Will Hammond can step up to replace Morton.
The Red Raiders started off the season 5-1 but have since dropped back-to-back losses against Baylor and TCU. In the Big 12, any team can win or lose on any given night, and Texas Tech should be considered a serious threat to the Cyclones unbeaten streak despite these losses.
If Iowa State wants a strong chance to succeed, it’s going to take pressuring Hammond early and often. This could be difficult considering the injuries the Cyclones have among the defense.
Iowa State can’t rely on late-game heroics to win this game and if they can’t capitalize on its week of rest, the Red Raiders will have no problem dispatching their potent offensive game against the Cyclones.
Score Prediction: Texas Tech 35, No 11. Iowa State 28
