Iowa State will face Texas Tech and their top rated offense Saturday night. The Red Raiders come into the game as 24 point favorites. QB Graham Harrell leads the nation in total offense and wide receivers Michael Crabtree (1) and Danny Amendola (7) are both in the top 10 in receptions per game.
Prediction: Texas Tech Red Raiders 45 Iowa State Cyclones 30
Here are five keys for the Cyclones to pull off the upset on the road in Lubbock.
1. Get Pressure/Get Hands Up – TT does a great job of protecting Harrell but ISU needs to find a way to get pressure. If they don’t get pressure they at least need to get their hands up and disrupt the throwing lanes. If they get their hands on the ball it will greatly increase the chances for interceptions.
2. Control Clock / Finish Drives – The Cyclones did a great job of controlling the clock last week against Nebraska, but they failed to capitalize. ISU will need to end drives with TD’s and FG’s instead of turning the ball over or punting just out of scoring range.
3. Win Turnover Battle – Iowa State finally created turnovers against the Cornhuskers, but turned it over even more. In Texas Tech’s loss to Oklahoma State, their only loss, they lost two fumbles and only caused one Cowboy turnover.
4. Win Special Teams – The Cyclones have struggled on special teams in recent weeks, especially kick coverage. Several starters on defense have volunteered for duty on special teams this week including Alvin Bowen, Chris Singleton and Allen Bell. It will be interesting to see how that works out. It would be a tremendous boost if the Cyclones could break a big punt or kick return.
5. Big Plays – Iowa State is five games deep and really hasn’t had a big play all season. The Cyclones could desperately use a game changing performance in any of the three phases. To win this game Iowa State will need a couple big plays.
Iowa State Players of the Game:
RB JJ Bass or Jason Scales – ISU will try to control the clock and whoever gets the most carries for the Cyclones should have an opportunity for a big game. Oklahoma State ran for more than 350 yards against Texas Tech.
CB Allen Bell – Bell is the Cyclones best cover corner, he should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.
KR/PR Drenard Williams – If Iowa State is going to make a big play on special teams, Drenard Williams would be the most likely candidate.
