STAFF PICKS: Iowa State at Texas Tech

Oct 12, 2019; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back SaRodorick Thompson (28) runs for the 30-yard touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 35, Texas Tech 24

I have a lot of respect for Matt Wells and his new program at Texas Tech. He is a really solid coach. I think he will eventually be though of as Tech football’s Chris Beard. That’s how highly I think o him. I wanted him to be considered at ISU when Jamie Pollard hired Matt Campbell. However this pick is more about Iowa State than the Red Raiders. Please listen to yesterday’s Thesis for a more in-depth breakdown of how I see this going.

Jared Stansbury, Staff Writer – Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 21

I know Texas Tech is better than most people expected them to be, but I still don’t think their defense is good enough to help them keep up with the Cyclones. Like last week, this one probably stays close in the first half then the ‘Clones pull away after halftime.

Brent Blum, Contributor – Iowa State 28, Texas Tech 24

Tech is historically quite good in Lubbock so this is not going to be easy. I do think Iowa State has advantages on both sides of the ball. Keep Purdy clean and this goes the Cyclones way. 

Rob Gray, Senior Writer – Iowa State 35, Texas Tech 24

Tech has some standout players sprinkled on both sides of the ball but remains a work in progress as coach Matt Wells puts his stamp on the program. One thing the Red Raiders will do is fight. That won’t be enough as ISU’s depth again turns a tense grinder into at least a somewhat comfortable win.

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – Iowa State 41, Texas Tech 17

Many of the things Tech struggles with are things that Iowa State does well.  Iowa State is likely to start conservatively and attempt to control the game on the ground, which they just might do.  This is a don’t let them hang around game, ISU won’t.  

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 34, Texas Tech 16

The key to beating Iowa State is patience. Patience on offense to take small gains all the way down the field. Patience on defense to keep things in front and tackle. Texas Tech has never been patient, no matter who the coach is. 

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – Iowa State 32, Texas Tech 17

A wise man once pointed out in a recent Cyclone Fanatic staff picks article that Iowa State has done well in 11 a.m. games on the road in the past couple of years under Matt Campbell. As an admirer of that man’s wisdom, I feel obligated to pick Iowa State to win in this game that is, in fact, happening at 11 a.m. on the road. Tech comes out flat after an emotional letdown against Baylor and the Cyclones pick up their fourth consecutive win over the Red Raiders, which ties for the longest win streak by either team in the series.

Kirk Haaland, Stats Nerd – Iowa State 31, Texas Tech 24

All in all, the Texas Tech offensive profile is pretty similar to West Virginia, just a smidge better. With Jett Duffey at QB, the Red Raiders lean heavily on his legs and the legs of running back, SaRodorick Thompson. I think that aligns with the strengths of the Iowa State defense and the Cyclones will be further aided by Duffey not being all that accurate of a passer. The run emphasis makes this a Greg Eisworth game so hopefully, he is back and healthy. The Red Raider defense is better than the Kliff Kingsbury era but is still mostly mediocre and susceptible to the big play.