Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4) will travel to Iowa State (4-6, 1-6), needing one more game to secure bowl eligibility. The teams are the opposite of each other, which could lead to an exciting game with iron sharpening iron.
Last week the Red Raiders pulled off a 43-28 win over Kansas in a game that was only separated by five points with eight minutes left. The Cyclones lost 20-14 to Oklahoma State as the defense dominated, but the offense kept turning the ball over.
Let’s check the latest college football spreads, stats, injury reports, and CFB championship for Texas Tech vs Iowa State.
Texas Tech May Have a Running Game
The quarterback position finally seems to be solidified for Texas Tech, with Tyler Shough set to be the starter after weeks of inconstant play. Against Kansas, Shough played well, not just with his arm but also by adding a new element with his legs. He contributed two touchdowns, throwing for 246 yards while rushing for 76.
A running game is something the Red Raiders have not had all season, averaging 156.2 per game, the third-fewest in the Big 12. With the addition of Shough, they got up to 264 yards on the ground, with four different players running it in for touchdowns.
The backfield was shared between Tahj Brooks, Cam’Ron Valdez, and SaRodorick Thompson, who combined185 for yards. This difference in approach could be good enough to get into a bowl game, despite not using it much before last week.
However, the defense has continued to be a disaster. It gave up a total of 525 yards, unable to stop the passing game or the rushing attack. It did force two crucial turnovers that led to 10 points, one in the fourth quarter, leading to a game-sealing touchdown.
Iowa State is All About Defense
Iowa State has had the best defense in the Big 12, which is highlighted by how bad the offense has been. The Cyclones turned the ball over five times last week and still held their opponent to just 20 points.
They kept Oklahoma State to 244 yards and did have some help facing a backup quarterback for most of the game, who threw two interceptions. Before last week, the defense had only had five interceptions and now ranks seventh in the Big 12. Iowa State hasn’t forced a lot of turnovers, having a ratio of -5, while also having the least amount of sacks in the conference, 15. The defense has been straight-up good all around, which is highlighted by only allowing Oklahoma State’s offense 11 first downs and forcing them to 1-14 on third down.
While the Cyclones’ defense dominates, the offense is head-shakingly frustrating, averaging the fewest yards and points per game in the Big 12 by a large margin. The running game gets 100.9 yards per game, while quarterback Hunter Dekkers has thrown 13 interceptions this season, including three last week.
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Game Injuries
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Head-to-Head
Texas Tech managed to end a five-game win streak for Iowa State between the schools, with a 42-38 win last season.
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Game Information
- Game: Texas Tech vs Iowa State
- Date/Time:: Saturday, Nov 19, 7:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
- Texas Tech vs Iowa State Live Stream: ESPN
Take a Look at Other 2 College Football Articles For This Season
- Bowling Green vs Ohio Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
- Utah vs Oregon Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Betting Lines
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Picks & Prediction
Iowa State’s defense is the best in the Big 12, but the offense is the worst. They are complete opposites, with the strength of each team matching up to decide the game, while the weaknesses have the best chance of making an impact.
The Cyclones’ offense has shown that it can move the balls sometimes, especially when Dekkers isn’t turning the ball over, which might give them just enough to win at home.
Texas Tech is listed at +135 in our Vegas NCAAF lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Texas Tech, you have a chance to win $135. Iowa State is -155, offering a chance to win $65 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the college football betting lines gives Texas Tech a 42.55% chance to win, with Iowa State at 60.78%.
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Trends
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Edge
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Results
Texas Tech vs Iowa State Game Summary
