Good Cop: Noah Lablan
Iowa State football is the best it’s ever been at this point. Two weeks ago, the Cyclones improved to 7-0 for the first time since 1938.
The team is achieving a level of success not seen since before World War II. The Cyclones, who have already clinched a bowl berth, are aiming for a playoff appearance, a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game and the first 10-win season in Iowa State history.
The Cyclones just completed a week off a comeback against UCF that at one point seemed almost impossible. With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, UCF took the lead and held the ball inside Iowa State territory. ESPN’s predictions gave the Knights a 99.9% chance of winning.
After a clutch stop, a quick touchdown drive by quarterback Rocco Becht, and a game-clinching interception by defensive back Jontez Williams, Iowa State miraculously trailed 38-35 when the clock hit zero. He had won. This game proved to be what we saw in Week 2’s win over Iowa. This team has heart and can come out victorious in situations where most teams would roll over and accept defeat.
This thinking 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 as the winningest coach in Iowa State history. Campbell is a great coach himself, but he has also provided great colleagues on his staff.
Defensive coordinator John Heacock led one of the most effective defenses in the Big 12 this year, and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser continued to evolve the offense into a deadly dueling threat in his first year on the job.
Texas Tech, on the other hand, has been sluggish in recent weeks. After starting the season 5-1, the Red Raiders find themselves in a slump after two games.
The losses were against Baylor and TCU, both of which have struggled to find continued success this year. Texas Tech has a strong offense, but they’re up against an Iowa State defense that has only allowed 14.43 points per game this season.
The Cyclones have been on a roll this season, and after a close call and a week off, they should be 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 shaping up to be the best season in Iowa State football’s 132-year history. The storm will continue this weekend against Texas Tech.
Predicted score: 11th 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 will look to capitalize on the break with a win against the formidable Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Prior to the bye, Iowa State defeated UCF 7-0 thanks to some offensive and defensive heroics late in the game. The Red Raiders bring a much more balanced offensive approach than UCF, which could be overwhelming for Iowa State if the defense can’t stay healthy.
The Red Raider has a number of offensive weapons at his disposal. Senior running back Taj Brooks has 925 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, eclipsing 100 yards in all but one game.
Senior Josh Kelly (60, 609 yards, 3 TDs), junior Caleb Douglas (39, 559 yards, 4 TDs), sophomore Coy Eakin (26, 395 yards) , six touchdowns) make up a very good team. Competent Receiver Co., Ltd.
With junior quarterback Behren Morton in doubt for the next game, it will be interesting to see how well backup Will Hammond can fill Morton’s place.
The Red Raiders started the season 5-1, but then suffered 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’ undefeated record despite these losses.
If Iowa State wants a big chance of success, it’s going to need to pressure Hammond early and often. This could be difficult considering the number of injuries on the Cyclones’ defense.
Iowa State can’t rely on late-game heroics to win this game, and if they can’t take advantage of a week’s rest, the Red Raiders will have no problem playing the high-powered offense against the Cyclones. It will be a great match.
Score prediction: Texas Tech 35, 11th Iowa State 28
