Iowa State vs Texas Preview

Before we break down Saturday's game, let's take a look back to last year.
Prior to the game against Texas last year, the Cyclones were 3-4 with back-to-back blow out losses to #10 Utah and #6 Oklahoma. A beat up Iowa State team went down to Austin and outplayed and out coached the Longhorns, beating them 28-21.


This year, both Texas (3-0) and Iowa State (3-0) come in to this game with a lot to prove.


TEXAS

Case McCoy has stepped up as QB for Texas

The Longhorns have played three pretty easy non-conference games against Rice, BYU (Texas won 17-16), and UCLA. Head coach Mack Brown has been trying to find the right situation at quarterback and it appears he has finally found his man in Case McCoy (yes, Colt's younger brother). Garrett Gilbert (out) and David Ash have also seen playing time this year, but both have struggled. The Texas offense likes to spread the wealth and include many players in the offense. Take a look at their offensive numbers


The Cyclone defense will have to do its best to contain receivers Jaxon Shipley, D.J. Grant, and Mike Davis. The threat on the ground comes in Malcolm Brown who is averaging just over 5 yards per carry. Cody Johnson seems to be the goal line back for Texas with 4 TDs on only 15 carries. Fozzy Whittaker has also hit pay dirt three times. A lot of credit to Texas's crafty style of offense is given to former Boise State offensive coordinator, now the Texas OC, Bryan Harsin.


IOWA STATE
Steele Jantz has been the hero for Iowa State this season. The guy is a competitor. His performances in first quarters have been among the worst in college football. The fourth quarter is where he shines though. As long as he is winning games, there is nothing to complain about I guess. It would be nice to see a little more consistency out of a starting QB, but Jantz makes the plays when he needs to.

Do you feel the Steele?

The running game for Iowa State this season has seen some bright spots. Shontrelle Johnson, James White, and Jeff Woody have all seen a significant amount of touches this season and have all done pretty well. In a press conference this week, CPR said that Duran Hollis, a redshirt freshman from Texas, will also see some carries on Saturday.


The defense should have its hands full with the spread offense Texas runs. The team with the fewest penalties will more than likely walk away with the victory in this game. However, in Iowa State's last three games, the offense has turned the ball over a combined 10 times compared to the opponents combined 5. Iowa State can't shoot themselves in the foot against Texas and get away with it like they did against UNI and UCONN. Limit the turnovers and penalties. Play Iowa State tempo. That's what Iowa State needs to do to win this game.


The bye week came at a very good time for ISU because it allowed Jantz, Kelechi Osemele, and other injured Cyclones time to recover after they were banged up during the UCONN game. This is a very good match up and should make for an exciting game.


My prediction:


Iowa State  23
Texas          20


I think the Cyclones will pull this game off in the final seconds on a last second field goal. It would only be appropriate, right?


The game will be on FX at 6PM and Gus Johnson is calling it.


Jack Trice is sold out. Need I say more.


More good stuff

Jake Knott And A.J. Klein Featured On ESPNU's Big 12 Weekly

  Austen Arnaud's 5 Keys to Beating Texas