Iowa State Cyclones (6-4) vs Texas Longhorns (9-1)
Game Info: Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 8:00 pm (Jack Trice Stadium)
Betting Odds: Iowa State Cyclones +8.5 -- Over/Under: 49.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Texas Longhorns will travel to Ames to meet the Iowa State Cyclones in Big 12 play this weekend from Jack Trice Stadium on FOX.
Texas Longhorns Preview
Texas comes in at 9-1 after defeating TCU in Fort Worth, 29-26. The Longhorns held off a fierce rally from the Horned Frogs after controlling the contest, and they’ll look to avoid being upset here in Ames. The Texas offense is scoring 33.8 ppg, while passing for 275.8 ypg, rushing for 183.5 ypg, and converting 36.6% of their third downs.
Texas Player Notes
• Quinn Ewers reached the 300-yard mark for the third time in four games last weekend against TCU, with a touchdown and an interception. The sophomore signal caller has remained healthy and played well this season, and he’ll look to avoid skipping up here with a CFB Playoff spot within reach. Ewers has thrown for 2,232 yards, with 14 touchdowns to four interceptions thru ten starts.
• Sophomore back Jonathan Brooks scored twice and reached the century mark in the win over TCU, and he leads the Big 12 in rushing with 1,139 yards on 187 carries.
• Third-year wideout Xavier Worthy went for a season-highs of ten catches for 137 yards versus TCU, and he leads UT in receptions (59) and receiving yards (757).
• Junior receiver Adonai Mitchell has caught a touchdown pass in four straight games, and he’s second on the team with splits of 40/637/9.
• The Texas defense is allowing 18.4 points per game.
Iowa State Cyclones Preview
Iowa State comes in at 6-4 after defeating BYU in Provo, 45-13. The Cyclones put multiple touchdowns on the Cougars through the first three quarters, and they’ll look to carry this momentum into the matchup with Texas. The ISU offense is scoring 25.7 ppg, while passing for 218.6 ypg, rushing for 129.2 ypg, and converting 38.5% of their third downs.
Iowa State Player Notes
• Rocco Becht played well on the road again last week, passing for 203 yards and a touchdown. The sophomore quarterback has played better as the season has grown on, and he’ll look to deliver against the toughest defense he’s faced yet Saturday. Becht has passed for 2,121 yards with 15 touchdowns to seven interceptions through ten games.
• Sophomore back Eli Sanders has scored in back-to-back games, and he leads the Cyclones in rushing yards (467).
• Junior wideout Jaylin Noel found the endzone twice in the win over BYU, and he leads ISU in receptions (52) for 536 receiving yards.
• The ISU defense has allowed 19.9 points per game.
Texas vs Iowa State Trends
• TEX is 4-1 against the spread, with a 2-3 O/U record.
• ISU is 2-2 ATS, with a 2-2 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
Texas has a real chance to reach the CFB Playoff for the first time in school history, and there’s no way they let Iowa State spoil it. As pesky as the Cyclones have proven to be in the Big 12 over the years, this is a spot to trust the Longhorns to be great in. Texas came away with narrow victories over purple conference foes TCU and Kansas State, so the margin could cut close, but roll with the Big 12 leaders to stay alive in the CFB Playoff picture.
Corey’s Pick Texas to Cover
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
