Every week during the year, Brian Mozey, Aaron Marner, Jack MacDonald and a special guest make their predictions for the Iowa State football game. Here are their predictions for the Cyclones’ week five game against Texas at 7 p.m. on Thursday on ESPN.

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Brian Mozey, Sports Editor (3-0)

Winner: Texas

Score: 30-27

Three weeks ago I would’ve said that Iowa State could’ve beaten Texas easily. Then, the USC and Texas game happened a couple weeks ago. The Longhorns showed a glimpse of dominance throughout their double overtime loss. 

Even though they lost, Texas looks like a threatening team. The Longhorns rely on a collective team and not one particular player on the offense and defense. I think that will work in their advantage. 

It’ll be a close game for all four quarters, but Texas will end up on top for a salty Thursday night loss for Iowa State. 

Aaron Marner, Assistant Sports Editor (2-1)

Winner: Iowa State 

Score: 38-34

In three games this season, the Texas Longhorns have given up 51, zero and 27 points. They’ve scored 41, 56 and 24.

That’s a lot of inconsistency, which is to be expected when a talented team is led by a new head coach.

Iowa State’s offense could have a field day against the Texas defense, but Texas has already scored five non-offensive touchdowns this season. The key for Iowa State is avoiding turnovers and special teams mistakes. If the Cyclones can do that, they should get off to a 1-0 start in the Big 12.

Jack MacDonald, Assistant Sports Editor (2-1)

Winner: Iowa State 

Score: 34-27

I’ll keep it short and simple. Iowa State has an offense that has put up at least 40 points in every game this season. They also have David Montgomery who has blossomed into one of the best young backs in the country. However, if Iowa State wants to move to 3-1, they will need their defense to hold down Jack Trice. 

The Cyclones’ defensive front seven has surprised us, but it’s the defensive backs that have turned into the question mark of the team. Simply put, if they show up, then Iowa State wins. 

But, you can’t forget the most important stat. Texas is 0-2 against teams that wear a version of cardinal and gold (Maryland and USC). It seems the Longhorns may be allergic to that end of the color spectrum.  

Chris Jorgensen, Visuals Editor

Winner: Iowa State

Score: 38-27

Iowa State has one of its most balanced offensive attacks in recent memory. Jacob Park may have been player of the game in many Cyclone fan’s minds after defeating Akron, but David Montgomery posted a season high in rushing yards. Having Montgomery to keep defenses honest has opened up the Cyclone offense for Park.

Cyclone fans haven’t had the luxury of a consistent quarterback in some time. Park is averaging 311 yards per game through three games. Conference play is a different animal, but defense doesn’t seem to be the Big 12’s thing this year. In the opening week, no Big 12 team was held under 30 points. Park has the opportunity to have a record breaking season.

Yes, it’s early to be projecting, but, when a program hasn’t had an asset like Park in over a decade, it’s okay to be excited. I think all 65,000 of the fans in Jack Trice Thursday night will be excited, too. With a national TV audience, Iowa State has an opportunity to show college football that it belongs.