Texas Tech (5-3, 3-2 in Big 12) will take on No. 11 Iowa State (7-0, 4-0) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game being televised on ESPN. Currently, the odds favor Iowa State by 14.5 points. The Red Raiders hold a historical advantage in their matchup, leading the series 13-8.
This game carries significant implications for both teams. Iowa State is looking to achieve an unprecedented 8-0 record for the first time in its history. Meanwhile, Texas Tech recently experienced a tough loss against TCU, where they squandered a 17-point lead, ultimately falling 35-34. This defeat has put the Red Raiders in a four-way tie for fifth place in the Big 12, although they have an opportunity to become bowl-eligible for the fourth consecutive season.
One of the key battles in this matchup will be between Texas Tech’s running back, Tahj Brooks, and Iowa State’s run defense. Brooks has made a name for himself by leading the Big 12 in rushing, having exceeded 100 yards in all seven games this season. He currently stands just 242 yards shy of breaking Byron Hanspard’s record for most rushing yards in the program’s history. In contrast, Iowa State has struggled defensively against the run, allowing a staggering 354 rushing yards to UCF in their previous game—the highest total they’ve given up since 2016.
In terms of individual players, the spotlight for Texas Tech is on quarterback Behren Morton, who suffered a collarbone injury in the game against TCU and missed the second half. He is notable for having only three interceptions this season, marking the lowest number for a Tech quarterback through eight games since Zebbie Lethridge in 1997. Morton will face a formidable Iowa State defense that has managed to intercept 12 passes this season, ranking seventh nationally.
For Iowa State, wide receiver Jaylin Noel is a player to keep an eye on. With a remarkable streak of 39 consecutive games with at least one reception, he ranks among the top players nationally. Recently, he joined the ranks of Xavier Hutchinson and Allen Lazard as the only players in the Iowa State history to surpass 200 career receptions. Last week, Noel delivered an impressive performance, recording eight catches for 153 yards against UCF. He will be matched up against a Texas Tech defense that has struggled in pass coverage.
A few additional facts to note include Iowa State’s perfect 4-0 record in conference play, marking its best start in this category to date. Since 2017, they’ve accumulated 40 Big 12 victories, the highest among current league members. Despite two recent losses, Texas Tech’s 5-3 record is their best through eight games in the last decade. Furthermore, Iowa State has consistently intercepted at least one pass in all seven games this season, and running back Carson Hansen has been particularly effective, scoring his team’s last five touchdowns. Texas Tech, while facing challenges, has performed well in close games with a record of 4-1 in contests decided by eight points or fewer.