STAFF PICKS: Texas Tech

Oct 20, 2018; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver TJ Vasher (9) attempts to stay in bounds against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Williams – iowa state 31, texas tech 20

For the record, I’ve been touting that Texas Tech’s defense is much improved since the offseason. However, a lot of the stellar numbers they have put up have come against lackluster opponents. The bye week came at a perfect time for Iowa State, who should be healthy in this one. I just think Iowa State is better across the board than Tech. Believe it or not, I do think we’ll see a Brock Purdy mistake or two coming off of the bye but that’s ok, because Iowa State’s run game will be in full force. Y’all know what to expect from the defense, which should force a turnover or two from Tech’s young signal caller.

Jared Stansbury – iowa state 38, texas tech 20

I’m sure Texas Tech’s defense is better than it has been the last couple seasons, but, in my mind, their statistical growth can be largely attributed to playing the two worst offenses in the league already. David Montgomery has another big day that negates a couple early Brock Purdy mistakes as the Cyclones feel comfortable entering the fourth quarter and walk out with their third-straight win.

Brent Blum – iowa state 31, texas tech 17

Seneca Wallace, Ellis Hobbs, Dan McCarney and Kliff Kingsbury will all be in Ames on Saturday night. They were all present in 2002 when Seneca famously ran around a bit. I like a similar result. No doubt about it.

Rob Gray – iowa state 34, texas tech 24

I’ve said all week I expect a 10-14 point ISU win. Why? The Cyclones are simply better on both sides of the ball, but maybe not by that much. Tech is playing inspired football and the rushing defense’s improvement has been dramatic. I still think David Montgomery gets his — and Brock Purdy upstages Alan Bowman against an average at best (and often picked on) Red Raiders’ secondary.

Jeff Woody – texas tech 38, iowa state 27

Jay Jordan – iowa state 28, texas tech 17

Tech is good.  On both sides of the ball.  Tech is hungry to reverse the mastery ISU has showed in the last two years.  But, there is one factor ISU has that Tech doesn’t.  David Montgomery.  If the o line continues its upward trend, then Montgomery’s efforts will fuel the offense and aide the defense.

Kevin Fitzpatrick – iowa state 69, texas tech 10

The Cyclones are breaking out the white-cardinal-white combo they beat Tech 66-10 in a couple years ago. I’ll go with the logical approach here and expect an even nicer performance this time around.

Kirk Haaland – iowa state 31, texas tech 24

It is one thing to win a “prove it” game as an underdog against a top 10 team but it is an entirely different thing to beat a very solid opponent as a favorite in another “prove it” game. I think it’s closer than we’d like but everything about this Cyclone team has shown to have the necessary mental makeup, let alone the fact that they’re a very good team.