Texas Tech Faces Big 12 Opponent Iowa St.
After a disappointing loss to the K-State Wildcats, the Red Raiders will again be on the road this week facing off against the 24th ranked Iowa State Cyclones. Texas Tech goes into this ball game at 1-2 with their one win against Houston Baptist. Iowa State, however, comes in after just defeating the 18th ranked Oklahoma Sooners.
Texas Tech Offensive Matchup Against Iowa St.
Texas Tech will look to get back to .500 on the year, but it will not be easy as Tech has not beaten the Cyclones since 2015. But if I were an I-State fan, I would be on upset alert. I like the way Tech matches up against them. Whether Alan Bowman will return from a right leg injury suffered against K-State remains unknown. Still, either Bowman or backup Henry Colombi should have a big game against this Iowa State defense.
The most significant discrepancy lies on the outside, where Tech has a considerable advantage. Our large wide receivers like T.J. Vasher and Erik Ezukanma tower over the starting corners of Iowa State. They should be able to outmuscle the smaller corners and outmaneuver the safeties. Another potential mismatch is with Tech running back Xavier White and the linebacking core for Iowa State. Oklahoma running back Seth McGowan got loose several times from the Cyclone defense, especially in the passing game. If Tech utilizes these matchups, they should put up a ton of points.
Texas Tech Defense Against Iowa St.
Defensively there are many more questions than answers facing this Texas Tech team. The inability to stick with quicker players has plagued this defense all year. Last week it was on full display with K-State running back Deuce Vaughn running all over the field, accounting for about half of K-States entire offensive production. Tech will need to do a better job against this Cyclones offense, which features one of the better running backs in the Big 12, Breece Hall. Hall has rushed for over 100 yards in every game played. If Tech locks in and stops Hall, they should shut down the Cyclone defense. Iowa State Quarterback Brock Purdy has not been great this season and has depended heavily on the run game to keep them ahead of the chains and set up play action.
Keys to Victory
For Tech to pull off the upset this week, the offense will need to take advantage of mismatches on the outside and with our running backs. And for the defensive front to contain Breece Hall and make sure that Iowa State does not get easy third-and-short’s. The game will most likely be a tale of two halves. Tech will probably jump out to an early lead, and Iowa State will bounce back to make it a close game late. My final score prediction is 38-28, with our Texas Tech Red Raiders getting the win. The game will be on ABC starting at 2:30 pm C.T.
If you’re interested in other stories over Texas Tech sports, check out our latest write up over TTU Volleyball.
Story by Ryan Scott, Sports Journalist Intern for Campus Live.